Cantabria, a region situated on Spain's northern coast, finds itself wedged between the imposing Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. This lush and mountainous area, affectionately known as "España Verde" or 'Green Spain,' shares borders with Asturias to the west and the Basque Country to the east.
Historically, viticulture hasn't held a prominent role here due to the region's exceptionally fertile soil and its prevailing damp and blustery climate, more suitable for food crops. Consequently, the wines produced in Cantabria tend to be crisp, low in alcohol, and high in acidity; this makes them exceptionally gastronomic and perfect for pairing with food.
Cantabria has two official Vino de la Tierra (VT) designations: Liebana VT and Costa de Cantabria VT. Sel D’Aiz is located within the Costa de Cantabria VT.
The region cultivates a diverse array of local and international grape varieties, including Hondarrabi Zuri and its dark-skinned variant, Hondarrabi Belza. Other noteworthy varieties include Picapoll, Albarin Tinto (also known as Alfrocheiro Preto), Albariño, Godello, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
The Cantabrian landscape is characterized by its diversity, ranging from pristine white beaches to lush green hills and towering snow-capped mountains. Notably, two major mountain ranges, the formidable Cordillera Cantábrica in the south and the rugged Picos de Europa in the west, shape the region's geography. It's believed that the name "Cantabria" stems from the Celtic words "cant" (stone) and "abr" (region), signifying "people of the rocks."
The vineyards of Sel D’Aiz are situated on a mountain-side just south of the village of Castillo Pedroso. The vineyards face South-East towards the Sierra del Escudo.Costa de Cantabria, as its name implies, stretches along the coastal areas of the region.
Beyond its verdant landscapes, Cantabria boasts a rich cultural heritage, notably featuring cave paintings. The region holds the world's highest concentration of Paleolithic-era paintings, collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cantabria, along with neighboring Asturias, is also renowned for its world-class Sidra (cider) and orujo, a brandy-like spirit distilled from grape marc (the grape solids that remain after pressing).
