Cariñena
The Cariñena DO is located in the Ebro River Valley in northeastern Spain. Vineyards here are located at 2500 feet above sea level and higher, with rocky and alluvial red soils. The zone is named for the red Cariñena grape, which surprisingly is not in abundance here; rather the Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes are more widely planted and better represent the local wines. White varieties include Chardonnay and Garnacha Blanca. There are lighter reds, produced by carbonic maceration that are plummy and fruity that are meant for youthful consumption, while the reds made according to traditional winemaking methods have riper tannins and more depth of fruit. There are also naturally sweet dessert wines and a few sparkling wines. Wines from Cariñena are not widely exported.