Navarra and Aragón

1. Where They Are
Navarra and Aragón are two neighbouring wine regions in northeastern Spain, between Rioja and Catalonia.
The land stretches from the cool Pyrenees Mountains to the warm Ebro River valley, creating a wide range of climates and wine styles.
Both regions are famous for their Garnacha (Grenache) grapes and for producing wines full of flavour and character.
2. The Climate and Land
Navarra has both cool and warm areas — the north feels more Atlantic, while the south is drier and Mediterranean.
Aragón is more continental, with hot summers, cold winters, and strong winds called the Cierzo, which help keep the vines healthy.
Vineyards often sit on rocky, dry soils, so the vines work hard and produce small, concentrated grapes.
3. The Grapes
| Grape | Colour | Role | Typical Flavours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnatxa (Grenache) | Red | Main grape | Red berry, plum, spice |
| Carinyena (Carignan) | Red | Adds colour and structure | Dark fruit, herbs |
| Tempranillo | Red | Brings balance and freshness | Cherry, spice |
| Garnatxa Blanca | White | Used for white wines | Pear, almond |
| Chardonnay / Viura | White | Crisp, fruity whites | Apple, citrus |
| Gewürztraminer | White | Somontano specialty | Lychee, rose petal |
4. The Wines
- Navarra is known for its rosado (rosé) wines, made mostly from Garnacha — dry, fruity, and refreshing.
- Navarra reds mix Garnacha and Tempranillo, offering smooth, medium-bodied wines.
- Aragón produces bold red wines from old Garnacha vines that grow high in the hills, giving rich flavour and gentle spice.
- In Somontano (north Aragón), winemakers also make aromatic white wines from Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.
5. What Makes Them Special
- Many vineyards are very old, with vines more than 50 years old.
- Most are dry-farmed, meaning no irrigation — grapes ripen slowly and keep freshness.
- The combination of altitude, rocky soils, and sunshine gives wines that are full of flavour but balanced.
6. Main Wine Areas
| Region | Main Grapes | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Navarra | Garnatxa, Tempranillo | Rosado and smooth reds |
| Campo de Borja | Garnatxa | Ripe, spicy reds |
| Cariñena | Garnatxa, Carinyena | Full, structured reds |
| Calatayud | Garnatxa | Concentrated mountain reds |
| Somontano | Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer | Modern reds and aromatic whites |
7. Famous Producers
Navarra: Chivite • Ochoa • Otazu
Aragón: Borsao • Alto Moncayo • Enate • Viñas del Vero
8. Summary
Navarra and Aragón are regions of sun, wind, and mountains, producing wines that mix power and freshness.
Navarra makes lively rosés and balanced reds, while Aragón is home to some of Spain’s best old-vine Garnacha.
Together, they show how Spain’s northeast can create wines that are rich, expressive, and full of life.
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