WINE TASTING AND MOUNTAINS – D.O. SOMONTANO
Many people in other countries would consider wine tourism in Spain to be a trip to La Rioja, and whilst it cannot be denied that this mighty wine region has a lot to offer, many of the smaller of the 73 Designaciones de Origin within Spain present unique and special experiences to those who are willing to venture off the beaten track.
Somontano is one such wine region, an undiscovered jewel in Northern Spain that still presents the visitor with a piece of “real Spain .” The name itself means “at the foot of the mountains” referring to its magnificent location in the foothills of the Pyrenees , promising snow-capped peaks and majestic landscapes. To add to this feature of the region’s natural heritage, the Sierra de Guara National Park, nestling between the lofty Pyrenean peaks and the patchwork of vineyards, is quite simply a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers and adrenalin junkies. Rivers, rain and wind have sculpted deep gorges and ravines from this imposing mountain range, many of which are only accessible by taking part in the adventure sport of canyoning. Not for the feint hearted but the best way to experience clear, aquamarine waters and to see first hand how the power of the elements is capable of shaping the landscape. Of course the gentler activities of walking and mountain-biking are also hugely popular with plenty of established routes criss-crossing the region.
Somontano is one of the smallest wine making areas in Spain , covering an area of just 4,700 hectares. Wine -making in the region dates as far back as 200 years BC, yet Somontano is one of the newest DOs in Spain , having just celebrated its 25 th anniversary. It boasts 35 wineries and 200 different wines created from the 13 recognised grape varieties. Around half of the wineries in Somontano welcome visitors and most can offer guided tours in Spanish, French and English. These range from small family run affairs where visitors are shown a real working bodega, often by the owner themselves, to the big names of the area such as Enate, Viñas del Vero and Bodegas Pirineos, which pull out all the stops to impress. The image of the region is one of modernity and innovation with a strong foundation of traditional values and this is reflected in the wineries and their wines. Recognisable international varieties share labels with indigenous grapes, which deliver the personality and essence of the region to modern day consumers.
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