Pirineos Senorio de Lazan Reserva 2004
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The registered vineyard area of the Somontano is small- only 4,200 acres. The soils are well-drained chalk and sand. Glacial runoff provides moisture during summer drought while the Pyrenees provide north winds. Viticultural reorganization is currently in full swing, as plantings are mixed and of advanced age. Increasing investment, both from the government of Aragon and elsewhere, is backing experiments with French grape varieties and increasing plantations of the Tempranillo in an effort to join the elite of Europe's quality wine regions.
Varietal experimentation, however, only serves to cloud Somontano's most alluring story - the existence of and indigenous, high quality red grape called Moristel. It is a natural product of its mountain climate, being loose-bunched, delicate of skin, bright of flavor and low in oxidative enzymes. Although capable of aging, the young wine from this grape is simply delicious, with a velvety and tender texture, vibrant loganberry aroma and most importantly, individuality.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
Literally meaning ‘under the mountain,’ Somontano is a diverse region located in the foothills of the south central Pyrenees. Heavy winter rains supply the region with water even throughout the summer.