Cigales is located to the north west of Ribera del Duero and 13km from Valladolid. All the DOs of Castilla y León bring something different to the party and the outstanding feature of Cigales is rosé wine. However there are also interesting developments in red wines making this a region to watch.

As in the case of Ribera del Duero and Toro, Tempranillo is the main grape cultivated and the dominant variety for both rosé and red wines.

Rosé wines fall into two categories: the young Cigales Nuevo and the more structured Cigales rosés which are released just over a year after the respective vintage and generally spend some time in the barrel. Interestingly the rosés are made from a blend of red and white grapes – mostly Tempranillo with around 20% of Albillo and Verdejo. (The sweet tasting Albillo offers good acidity and small amounts are added to both rosés and reds).

There is a growing belief that Cigales has great potential for red wines and if this can be pulled off its reputation is likely to develop quickly. The essential ingredients seem to be in place, namely the rocky limestone soils and high altitude together with a continental climate similar to that of Ribera del Duero.

Red wines must be made from 85% of Tempranillo.