Riestra
Nestled beneath the heights of L’Altu la Fumarea, one of the most loved mountain pass climbs in Asturian cycling, there is a cider maker of some renown. Halfway between the Peinsos Vigil feed store and the locally famous La Saregana farm lies a building not many even within Asturias are familiar with. That is not to say that they are not familiar with the product of that building! Indeed, Sidra Riestra is one of the more famous cider makers in Asturias.
It is impossible to overstate how ubiquitous cider from Riestra is in Asturias. While not as well known outside the Principality, like Trabanco or Cortina, Riestra is just as well known within Asturias. Indeed, they manage to sell in excess of a million bottles of cider a year almost entirely through grocery stores and small shops.
Recently, meaning in the last decade, a concerted effort has been made to export sidra Riestra beyond it’s traditional area. Now it is possible to find it in larger Spanish cities outside of Asturias. Indeed, it is possible to find it even in the United States. Lincoln Fine Wines in California will mail order.
History
Officially founded in 1947, Sidra Riestra’s history begins even earlier. In 1906, Robustiano Riestra, grandfather of the current operator, built a cider press in the El Llano neighborhood of Gijón. After the death of Robustiano, his daughter and son in law (Etelvina and Ricardo) took over operation.
In 1929 they moved the llagar from Gijón to Perea in the conceyo of Sariego, and in 1947 they registered the name commercially, marking another step on the journey from small local concern to large professional status.
In 1985, the current manager and the son of Etelvina and Ricardo took over operations. Though he is still officially the manager, most day to day operations are now handled by his two sons Raúl and Rubén.
Ciders
The following ciders from Riestra have been reviewed here:
Awards
Sidra Riestra has won the following awards for their natural cider:
- 1985 – Best Cider In Asturias – Villaviciosa
- 2018 – Best Cider – Premier Cider of the Year
Tours
Tours are handled on an ad hoc basis, and you should telephone in advance to make sure someone can show you around.