Wine Regions of Asturias
Wine Region DOP Cangas
The DOP Cangas is the only official wine appellation in Asturias.
It is located in the southwestern corner of Asturias and covers rugged municipalities like Cangas del Narcea, Allande, Degaña, and Ibias.
Viticulture
Grapes grow on very steep slopes with angles greater than 30%. Because the hills are so steep, machinery cannot be used. Vine growers must do all the heavy farming and harvesting entirely by hand.
Climate
Asturias is part of "Green Spain," meaning it gets plenty of rain. However, the high Cantabrian Mountains shield the Cangas vineyards from freezing Atlantic winds. This creates a sunny pocket perfect for ripening grapes.
Soil
The vines in Asturias grow in rocky soils filled with slate and quartz. This gives the wine a distinct, crisp mineral flavor.
Unique Asturian Grapes and Wines
While Asturias is famous worldwide for its apple cider, it also makes rare and unique mountain wines.
Asturias focuses on saving and growing rare, local grapes that you cannot easily find anywhere else in the world.
The wines are known for being fresh, light, and highly aromatic.
Albarín Blanco
This is the star white grape variety. It creates crisp white wines with bright floral and fruit aromas. Do not confuse it with Albariño, as it is a completely different grape variety!
Carrasquín
A rare red grape that ripens very late in the season. It produces unique red wines with lively acidity and notes of wild red berries.
Albarín Negro & Verdejo Negro
Local red grapes used to add deep complex flavors and structure to red blends.
Mencía
A popular red grape across Northwest Spain used here to make smooth, fruit-forward red wines.