Somontano, meaning “under the mountain,” is located in the province of Huesca, less than 60 kilometres from the French border. This lush green region, dotted with hills, wildflowers and medieval hamlets, benefits from a continental climate shaped by its proximity to the Pyrenees. Cool, snowy winters and hot, dry summers are tempered by the mountains, creating diverse microclimates and significant diurnal temperature swings of up to 15 °C. The region’s soils are rich in fossilised marine life, reflecting its ancient past when it was once covered by the Mediterranean Sea. This mix of alluvial, calcareous and clay soils supports a wide range of grape varieties and gives the wines their signature mineral character, both intensity and freshness.
Moristel is a nearly extinct native red grape from Somontano that, for much of the 20th century, survived only in field blends. It’s known for medium acidity, moderate tannins, and aromas of wild strawberry, lavender, and white pepper. Since 2013, the Pasotismo project, a collaboration between Bodegas Paso Primero and Bodegas Batán de Salas, has focused on reviving Moristel and other indigenous varieties with minimal intervention and a strong sense of place. Their 2021 Pasotismo Moristel was harvested from 47-year-old bush vines yielding under three tonnes per hectare. A portion of the grapes was foot-trodden and fermented whole cluster, then left on their skins in temperature-stable concrete tanks for four to six weeks without any added yeasts. After gentle pressing, the wine matured for six months in the same concrete vessels before being bottled unfiltered. The resulting wine shows bright cherry fruit, herbal lift, and a fine mineral backbone that speaks to Somontano's high-altitude limestone soils.
Tasting Note
Along with a subtle oak profile and typical Spanish rusticity, Moristel shows raspberry and the classic Somontano cherry flavour. Fresh red fruit is front and centre.
Food Pairing
Pairs wonderfully with grilled chorizo, roasted root vegetables, and hearty stews featuring regional game.