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Navarra and Aragón

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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

GrapeColourRoleTypical Flavours
Garnatxa (Grenache)RedMain grapeRed berry, plum, spice
Carinyena (Carignan)RedAdds colour and structureDark fruit, herbs
TempranilloRedBrings balance and freshnessCherry, spice
Garnatxa BlancaWhiteUsed for white winesPear, almond
Chardonnay / ViuraWhiteCrisp, fruity whitesApple, citrus
GewürztraminerWhiteSomontano specialtyLychee, 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

RegionMain GrapesStyle
NavarraGarnatxa, TempranilloRosado and smooth reds
Campo de BorjaGarnatxaRipe, spicy reds
CariñenaGarnatxa, CarinyenaFull, structured reds
CalatayudGarnatxaConcentrated mountain reds
SomontanoTempranillo, Chardonnay, GewürztraminerModern 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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