D.O. Calatayud

The name of the DO area with the town of the same name in the north-eastern Spanish region of Aragon goes back to a Moorish governor named Ayud, who had a castle (Kalat) built here. At the turn of the century, the old city of Bilbilis was the site of a Roman temporary camp and it was here that the famous poet Martial (40-102) was born. The vineyards cover 6,000 hectares on limestone, marl and slate soils. They are situated at an altitude of 500 to 900 metres on both sides of the Ebro tributary Jalon and are among the hottest and driest in Aragon. The most important red wine variety is Garnacha Tinta, which produces high alcohol red wines. Others are Tempranillo, Monastrell, Mazuelo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The main white wine varieties are Malvasía(Planta Nova), Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca, Chardonnay and Moscatel Romano(Muscat d'Alexandrie). Rosados (rosé wines) are also produced in large quantities.