Asturias Autonomous Community occupying northern part of Spain is extended along the shoreline of Cantabrian Sea which forms western part of Biscay Bay.
Region is famous for its natural beauty, high mountains, sharp passes, lovely cliffs, romantic bays and above all Pre-Romanesque architectural style dating early Middle Age and showing transition between old Roman architecture and styles of High Middle Age since 11th century. These can be found around capital Oviedo.
Although mountainous with specific terroir and climate, even here can be found tiny wine region called V.C. Cangas.
The surface of vineyards cultivated around Principado de Asturias was 139 ha in 2022.
Main Influences
- High altitudes cultivation at any 500 m.a.s.
- Atlantic Ocean influence
- Higher precipitation
These influences and landscape orography makes the cultivation on terraced fields and slopes over 30% pretty difficult being all fully hand collected as used in Spain.
Even though there is a long history of viticulture around Asturias, at the moment the cultivated surface is one of the smallest around Spain.
The initial traces of cultivation of wine grapes comes form 9th century, but was rising later since 11th century thanks to monastery San Juan Bautista de Corias. The wine production was firstly honored in 19th century during the national expo in Madrid (1.875).
Last decade of 20th century was real step up for this wine region being recognized internationally and starting export around Europe and even overseas.
Only one area of production
- V.C. Cangas
V.C. Cangas
Wine region of Cangas is located in the south-west close to city Cangas de Nárcea. Being more opened to continental influences it brings much more sun in compare to the rest of Asturias where the rain is factor of daily life.
Although there was a long history of vinification around the quality stamp of VdlT – Vins d Pays was recognized in 2001. Later in 2009 the region step up to highest Spanish category of D.O.P. recognizing the subcategory V.C. (Quality Wine).
In generally there are few factors modifying the climate around the area. The range of mountains Cordillera Cantabria is protecting from the north so there is more maritime Mediterranean influence in the summer with hot days. Winter temperature drops to -10 degrees creating this way special micro-climate around Cangas.
The precipitation is around 1.000 liter per year.
Authorized Grape Varieties:
WHITE: Albarín Blanco, Albillo Mayor, Godello, Gewurztraminer, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Picapol Blanco, Picapol Extra.
RED: Albarín Tinto, Carrasquín, Garnacha Tintorera, Mencía, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Verdejo Negro.
Official Quality Label:
Recommended Winery:
Bodegas Monasterio de Corias – Cangas de Nárcea
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