If we tell you that today we are going on an excursion to the DO Calatayud, would you know which Autonomous Community we're heading to? If you're unsure, don't worry. Many people find it challenging to locate this wine region on the map.
Why this?
Because this designation of origin has been a hidden gem on the peninsula for too long. But something is changing. Calatayud is now on the radar of wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Today you will get to know the kingdom of Garnacha. We're heading to a small territory in the west of Aragón, in the province of Zaragoza.
An Extreme Climate that Shapes the Landscape, its People, and the Grapes
It's normal to fall in love with the landscapes that are part of the DO Calatayud. It's likely that you will too.
We are at the viewpoint of the Cruz de Armantes. Before your eyes, you can see the mountains in the background, valleys, steppes, a river, and small villages scattered here and there. Look a little closer. See those tapestries? Aha! They are the protagonists of today's journey, the vineyards.
In the DO Calatayud, most of the 3,200 hectares of vineyards are divided into small plots of old vines planted in goblet style, exactly like the ones before your eyes. See that one? It's cultivated by Manuel, a 67-year-old vintner. And that one? It belongs to Paco, who is 80.
Fortunately, there are also younger vintners who are gradually taking over the vineyards that have been cared for by the same hands for a lifetime.
Being a vintner in this area is not easy. Not at all.
The climate here is both a virtue and a punishment. Winters are long, very cold, and there is hardly any rain. However, there's no shortage of wind. The cierzo, which if it doesn't drive you crazy, makes you stronger, lashes mercilessly for several days in a row.
Meanwhile, summers are hot and just as dry as the rest of the year.
Impossible vineyards with incredible grapes
This extreme climate shapes the complex topography of the area, to which the vineyards have adapted perfectly despite everything. Many are on slopes, others have pure slate soils... Some are located at about 600 meters of altitude, and others are cultivated on plots that reach almost 1,000 meters. These higher-altitude vineyards provide exceptional grapes used to make wines of greater complexity and intensity.
Wine! Of course! How is it possible we haven't offered you a glass yet? Let's make the introductions, traveler. Here you have the character and essence of the DO Calatayud transformed into liquid. We present to you the wine Las Pizarras Fabla, which has just won a coveted gold medal in the international ‘Garnachas del Mundo’ competition.
This wine is made with 80% Garnacha, the queen grape of this small kingdom. A variety that provides acidity, freshness, and color. Perfect for blending with other varietals and even more perfect when well-crafted as a single varietal.
In the tasting of Las Pizarras Fabla, you clearly perceive its very ripe red fruit, plum, figs, and a hint of black pepper and minerality... As the wine opens up, its nuances increase.
In search of the best restaurants in Zaragoza
By this point in the journey, your stomach is growling. Let's address that right away, and for that, we will go to Zaragoza to the Goralai Restaurant, where you must eat at least once in your life. With a unique gastronomic proposal, a menu that combines great creativity with traditional cuisine.
And with a delicious meal, which we will also accompany with Las Pizarras Fabla wine, we conclude the Raíces Ibéricas On Tour through the DO Calatayud. We hope you enjoyed the trip! See you on future routes, winelover.