The 4 DO wine regions in the region ofAragon, (Spain)
Calatayud is a SpanishDenominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) for wines located in the southwestern corner of the province ofZaragoza (Aragón,Spain) about 90 km from Zaragoza and covers over 5,600 ha, extending over 46 different municipalities, including Calatayud itself. It borders with theCariñena (DO) in the east and with the province ofSoria in the west. It is in theEbro River valley and is crisscrossed by many of the Ebro's tributaries including theJalón,Jiloca,Manubles,Mesa (river),Piedra andRibota. The vineyards are found on the south facing slopes of the Sierra de la Virgen range at heights of between 550 m and 800 m above sea level.
The climate iscontinental (hot dry summers and cold winters), the mean annual temperature does not exceed 13 °C, and there is a good probability of frost during six months of the year. The mean annual rainfall is between 300 mm and 500 mm per annum.
Most of the vines are planted in soils that are stoney, loose, very poor in nutrients and with a high lime content. The permeability is good so the roots are able to obtain the water and nutrients they require.
