Cebreros Wine Region Guide

Cebreros wine region is located in the Spanish municipality in the province of Vila, which is part of the autonomous community of Castile and León. The region lies at 755 meters above sea level in the Gredos mountains in the province of Avila. The Alberche River runs through the south of Cebreros municipality and is located in the eastern province, bordering the Community of Madrid. The prestigious sub-region of Cebreros produces a variety of wines that are well-known and respected across the world. We hope you enjoy these excellent wines while you tour across the wine area of Castile and Leon.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Cebreros!

Where is the Cebreros wine region?

Cebreros is located south of Avila province in the Gredos mountain in Castile-León and consists of 36 local towns. Viticulture in Cebreros is one of the oldest in Spain. Located in central Spain, the region is just 85km west of Madrid. Cebreros region lies in the Sierra de Gredos wine region which is recognized as an upcoming new wave of Spanish wine. The vineyard is spread across approximately 500 hectares with the highest vineyard at 1200 meters from sea level. 

History of the Cebreros wine region

Despite the fact that Cebreros was granted the status of PDO in 2017 in terms of legislation and regulation, the area has a long history of wine production and wine cultivation. In fact, the leasing grapes in the area was written by Bishop of Vila on a paper that dates back to 1275. There is a text about the Cebreros wines in written sources from the 14th century. The wines were already praised in Madrid and Avila in the 16th century. The vineyard and the wine business collapsed with the arrival of Phylloxera in the early 20th century and started recovering only in the late 1970s. 

The terroir and geography of the Cebreros wine region

Cebreros has rugged terrain, a high altitude, and extremely historic vines, all of which differentiate this smaller designation of origin. The steep slope and high elevation of the vineyard make it difficult to work. All labor is done by hand using organic agricultural practices. The climate is continental, with a temperature differential of more than 20C between day and night. The soil is mostly granite and slate with concentrated mineral content. These soil, climate, and altitude both contribute to the production of exceptionally concentrated fruit with a strong personality, giving this wine a distinct mineral flavor. 56% of its vines have an average age of 65 years. 

Popular grape varieties from the Cebreros wine region

The Cebreros wine appellation is mostly known for its concentrated Grenache grapes which dominate the area. The region also cultivates Albillo Real grapes for the production of white wines. More than 50% of vines in this area are between 60-90 years old. 

White wines are fresh and aromatic with notes of tropical fruits and white flowers. The wines are rounded and creamy with pleasant notes of white pepper. Red wines made from Grenache are very different than those from France and California. The wines are highly aromatic with red fruits and floral notes. These have excellent finesse with an elegant touch. The wine is characterized by minerality with flavors of herbs and rosemary. 

Food to pair with Cebreros wine 

Pasta Carbonara

Carbonara is a Roman dish prepared with eggs, hard cheese, cured pig, and black pepper. The dish gained popularity around the middle of the twentieth century. Typically, the cheese used to coat pasta is Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a blend of the two. Carbonara is made by tossing spaghetti with guanciale, egg yolks, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Despite its simplicity, this meal is a favorite in Rome, as well as throughout the country. Even though carbonara is now regarded as a major Roman dish, its origin is often debated. 

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed year-round with special indulgence. Many flavors complement lamb so you can use a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your choice. 

Roasted lamb dishes such as rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets, go well with red wines from Nuits-Saint-Georges. 

Bœuf bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slowly-cooked beef stew traditionally made in the French cuisine using wines of burgundy. The dish is typically made with beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The beef is browned in butter or oil before being added to the other ingredients. Bœuf bourguignon is often served with boiled potatoes or pasta

The dish is not a regional recipe from burgundy rather use of wine explains the name. The dish was first recorded in 1867, often made with leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian specialty at the beginning of the 20th century. 

The flavors of the dish are rich, complex, and hearty thanks to the long cooking time. The bold Beaune red wine adds depth to the sauce.

Places to visit in the Cebreros wine region

El Charco del Cura Reservoir

El Charco del Cura reservoir lies along the Alberche river in the municipality of El Tiemblo in the Avila District. The Tajo Hidrográfica Confederación manages it. Burguillo and Charco del Cura Dams were built in 1931 and were designed by E. Becerril and A. Peralba. Dams are popular for water activities in the municipality of El Tiemblo, which creates the Charco del Cura during its passage through this town. It has a capacity of 3 cubic hectometres and a surface area of 34 hectares.

Frequently asked questions about Cebreros