Vitheras: The Best Kept Secret of the Asturian Mountains
Heroic Viticulture in Asturias, Mountain Wines
Our vineyards are protected from the humid air masses of the coast by the mountain barriers where the Galician Massif meets the young Cantabrian Mountain Range. The Asturian vineyards are located on the sunny slopes of the deep valleys of Cangas del Narcea and Ibias.
This heroic viticulture, on steep slopes and with a difficult orography, represents only about 5% of global viticulture. However, the native varieties show a high level of adaptation to both the unique soil conditions and the climate of these valleys, producing unique and perfectly recognizable wines.
Recovering a Centuries-Old Tradition
The vineyards of VITHERAS (Heroic Asturian Winegrowers S.L.) have been dedicated to vine cultivation since 1556 (16th century), being documented in the archives preserved in the former family home of the owners.
In the last three decades, the family has decided to recover these ancient vineyards with the aim of offering a unique and high-quality wine, as well as sharing the history and tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
From War, Disease and Oblivion, to Recovery
The arrival of the 1950s and the coal mining caused the near disappearance of this ancient wine-growing area. This was compounded by the ravages of the civil war and vine diseases in Europe such as Phylloxera, Oidium and Mildew. These circumstances led to an almost complete fall into oblivion of the Asturian vineyard.
But in the 1980s, a researcher from the CSIC, Doña Maria del Carmen Martinez Rodriguez, began a rigorous scientific investigation together with the Vitheras family for the recovery of the native varieties. This work brought back to life the native varieties: Albarin Blanco, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Verdejo Negro, Albarin Negro, Mencia and Carrasquin, among others.
Our Wines: Vitheras Blanco and Vitheras Lucía
Thanks to this recovery work, we can now enjoy two exceptional wines:
Vitheras Blanco D.O.P. Cangas del Narcea
This delicate White Wine is made from natural ingredients: Albarin Blanco and a small percentage of Moscatel de Grano Menudo. It is characterized by its pale yellow, clean and bright color, and a great aromatic intensity with fruity notes of apple, pear, peach and citrus. Persistent on the palate and balanced, with a slight and pleasant bitterness.
Vitheras Lucía
This Rosé Wine is made with 100% natural ingredients: Verdejo Negro, Albarin Negro and Mencía. It stands out for its beautiful onion skin color, clear and bright. With remarkable aromatic intensity and very good acidity, with aromas of red fruits, raspberry, strawberry and strawberry candy.
Both wines are made with native varieties from Asturias, which have been recovered thanks to the arduous research and preservation work carried out by the Vitheras family and the CSIC.
Visit our Winery in Carballo, Asturias
If you want to learn more about our history, our wines and our passion for heroic viticulture in the Asturian mountains, we invite you to visit our winery in Carballo. We will be delighted to show you our vineyards and share with you the secrets hidden behind each bottle of Vitheras.
We look forward to your visit!