Oyarbide Wins 2009 Basque Cider Awards
Recognizing the Best of Northern Spain's Favorite Drink
Jun 12, 2009
In Spanish Basque Country, cider is as important a part of life as black coffee to Americans, or Bordeaux to the French. The seasonal element of cider, or sagardoa in Basque, however, makes it all the more precious. Cider season begins in January and lasts through May, and the region’s government hosts the competition to judge the best bottles at the end of the season.
Cider House Rules
According to the Diario Vasco, the judging was “meticulous and silent.” This is a far cry from the typical atmosphere surrounding the consumption of this regional drink.
A typical night in a Basque cider house, during high season, is loud, crowded, and hectic. Huge barrels are tapped by locals, who pour a small amount of cider into their glasses. Since cider is best consumed quickly after tapping, etiquette requires that you refill briefly and often. Typically, a feast follows, consisting often of staples of wintry Spanish cuisine—salt cod, pimiento de piquillo tortillas, and chorizo.
Judging a Winner
The two female and eight male judges at the judges’ table, each separated by a white panel, were served cider by experts dressed in white. The cider was served at exactly 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the ideal temperature according to experts at Petritegi cider house.
According to Sagardonat magazine, there are many qualities to look for in a cider. The txinparta, which translates to fizz or crackle, the bubbles generated, and the legs left on the glass by the cider. When tasting, the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, salty and acidic is desirable.
In between ciders, the judges cleansed their palates with water, reports Mikel Soro from Diario Vasco. Presen Urkizu, one of the judges, had this to remark of the runners-up: “In the nose, I liked all of them. In the mouth, I noted that they were lacking body.”
Oyarbide cider house won with a score of 77 points. The most recent placing by Oyarbide, located in Astigarraga (outside of San Sebastián), was a third place trophy in 2003. Oyarbide is accessible by city bus from San Sebastian. You can reach them at +34 943 55 31 99 to inquire about tours.
The Guipuzkoa Natural Cider Association is also based in Astigarraga, and many of the competing cider houses are members. They are one of the best resources for tours of the region.
Purchasing Basque Cider
Cider is available in the United States, although not in the fresh, unbottled form featured in sagardotegi, or cider houses. You can find bottles online or in specialty stores in larger cities.
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