Valverán 20 Manzanas 2022 ice cider, made by Masaveu Family Wineries in their cider factory in Sariego in Asturias, has been selected as Best Special Cider at the International “World Cider Awards” contest for the third year in a row.
Ciders from several countries such as Canada, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, amongst others, have participated in the seven categories in this 2024 edition of the contest, and Valverán 20 manzanas was the only Spanish ice cider awarded with the gold medal and as best cider in the “Speciality Cider” category.
The World Cider Awards, considered the Cider Oscars and held in United Kingdom, select, acknowledge and promote the “Best Ciders in the World” amongst consumers all over the world. This annual tasting forms part of the renowned World Drinks Awards, which are presented by TheDrinksReport.com.
Valverán 20 Manzanas has received acknowledgments and prizes in other prestigious national and international contests such as Global Cider Masters, International Wine Spirit Competition, Gilbert Gaillard, Salón Internacional de Las Sidras de Gala, CINVE, Festival de la sidra de NAVA and Great Lakes International Cider Perry Competition.
20,000 apple trees with different varietals
Valverán Cider Mills, situated on the El Rebollar estate, in Sariego, was founded by José Masaveu, managing director of Masaveu Family Wineries, in 1998, however it was in 2007 when this ice cider was born, 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 apple orchard in Asturias and in Spain, in terms of native Asturian varietals. It is the only Asturian cider factory that exclusively makes this type of cider.
The name Valverán 20 manzanas comes from the quantity of apples that are required to make each 37.5 cl. bottle, given that each contains the concentrated must of, at least, 20 apples. Masaveu Family Wineries increased its production by 36% in the last vintage, which went on sale in March this year and of which only 27,540 bottles were made.
A complex process is required to make this drink, it begins with hand-collecting the native Asturian apples which are then washed and examined one by one. The following six Asturian varietals are mainly used: Raxao, Durona de Tresali, Verdialona, De la Riega, Xuanina and Fuentes. The apples are then shredded and pressed and the must obtained is decanted into stainless steel tanks by means of cold treatment. After clarification, the must is frozen at below 20 degrees. After the process of separating the ice from the must, the obtained essence is fermented for 10 months at a temperature of 10ºC and, afterwards, it rests on its lees for eight months in stainless steel tanks.
The process requires time and patience, in fact, two years go by from receiving the apples in the cider factory until the ice cider goes on sale.
The estate currently has 40 hectares of land certified as organic, situated in the Protected Designation of Origin Cider from Asturias, precisely on the El Rebollar Estate in Sariego (Asturias). There, 20,000 apples of different varietals enable us to make this distinguished ice cider full of nuances.
This drink is fresh and surprising and pairs perfectly with foie, cheeses and not very sweet desserts. It offers citrus aromas of orange peel, apple and quince, and on the palate has a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness, with a crisp finish that awards freshness.
About Masaveu Family Wineries
The Masaveu family first invested in the wine sector in 1974, when they purchased Murua Family Wineries, however the family’s first vineyards date back to the middle of the 19th century, 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 continued to grow with a firm commitment 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: Murua (DOCa. Rioja), Fillaboa (DO. Rías Baixas), Pagos de Araiz (DO. Navarra), Leda (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León) and Valverán (Asturias).
