The ice cider Valverán 20 Manzanas from Masaveu Family Wineries, has achieved the gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2024 (IWSC) in the Alternative Drink category, yet another award to add to the prizes which this drink has received during recent months. This cider was also named Best Special Cider in the latest edition of the World Cider Awards, considered the Oscars in the cider world.
On this occasion, Valverán 20 Manzanas has achieved recognition from a jury formed by over 60 experts which have evaluated 800 drinks from several countries, to which they have awarded 700 medals in different categories, over 50 of which were gold. The jury has mentioned the quality of the Asturian ice cider and awarded its excellence. In the cider category, the drinks presented received 20 medals, and only two were gold, one was received by Valverán 20 Manzanas. The jury has mentioned the balance between the “sweetness and acidity” of the Asturian cider and its enormous potential “ideal for pairing with desserts or to enjoy after dinner”.
20,000 apples of several varietals
Valverán Cider Mills, situated on the El Rebollar estate in Sariego, was founded by José Masaveu, general manager of Masaveu Family Wineries, in 1998. However, this ice cider wasn’t created until 2007. The Masaveu family were pioneers in making ice cider on the Iberian Peninsula. The estate where the apples that make Valverán 20 Manzanas grow is the largest orchard both in Asturias and Spain, in terms of native Asturian varietals. This is the only Asturian cider mill that exclusively makes this type of cider in its facilities.
The name Valverán 20 manzanas comes from the quantity required to make each 37.5 cl. bottle, given that it contains the concentrated must of, at least, 20 apples. Masaveu Family Wineries increased its production by 36% in the last vintage, which was launched on the market in March this year. Only 27,540 bottles were produced.
The process of making this drink is complex, it begins with picking the native Asturian apples which are selected manually, washed and examined one by one. Six native Asturian apples are mainly used; Raxao, Durona de Tresali, Verdialona, De la Riega, Xuanina and Fuentes. Afterwards, they are shredded and pressed, and the must obtained is decanted into stainless steel tanks using the cold application method. Once clarified, it is then frozen at under 20 degrees. After undergoing a process for separating the ice and the must, the obtained essence es fermented for 10 months at a temperature of 10ºC and, afterwards, it rests on its lees, in stainless steel tanks for eight months.
This is a slow elaboration process which requires time and patience, in fact, from the time the apples are picked until the ice cider goes on sale, two years go by.
The estate currently has 40 organically certified hectares, situated in the Protected Designation of Origin, precisely on the El Rebollar Estate in Sariego (Asturias), with 20,000 apple trees growing different varietals enabling us to craft this distinguished ice cider full of nuances.
This fresh and surprising drink pairs perfectly with foie, cheeses and not very sweet desserts. It offers aromas of citrus fruits, orange peel, apple and quince, and on the palate boasts a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness, with an acidic finish that awards freshness.
Masaveu Family Wineries
The Masaveu family first invested in the wine sector in 1974, when they purchased Murua Wineries in Rioja Alavesa, however the family’s first vineyards date back to the middle of the 19th century, precisely in Castellar del Vallés, where the family originates from and where Federico Masaveu Rivell began a journey to be continued one century later by his descendants.
Since then, Masaveu Family Wineries has grown to become a reference in the sector, due to the quality of their winemaking in several DO´s and their sustainable philosophy and utmost respect for the land in their estate owned vineyards, thanks to which they transmit the unique personality of each terroir in every bottle. This being the common denominator in each and every project initiated by Masaveu Family Wineries in different parts of the country: Fillaboa (DO Rías Baixas), Leda (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León), Murua (DOCa Rioja), Pagos de Araiz (DO Navarra) and Valverán (Asturias).
