<p>The grapes are harvested in October of each year and ferment for 8 days before spending 3 months in Central European oak and another 6 months in bottle prior to release.</p> <p>Bal d'Isabena is one of the top producers in the D.O. Somontano. A relatively new winery, they combine traditional vinification methods with a modern wine- making facility. They use traditional, indigenous grapes and some French grapes from just over the border (they are tucked up against the French border). They also prefer the use of Central European oak in their wines.</p> <p> Established in 1984, the D.O. of Somontano is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in the province of Aragon. It is a region blessed with some of the best conditions for growing grapes in all of Spain. Its clay and limestone soils drain well and its average of 2700 hours of sunshine each year ensures that grapes will always ripen. Grapes have been growing in the region since the days of the Roman Empire.</p>