Nestled in the coastal city of Villavicosia, Asturia, the heart of Spain’s cider making industry, lays the home of El Gaitero, Spain’s largest and most popular cider producer. Founded in the 19th century by Alberto De Valle , El Gaitero was created to meet the increasing demand for Spanish Cider from the Spanish Colonies and America. After many years in production, El Gaitero now produces in excess of 70,000 bottles daily, and exports its brand of both natural and sparkling cider worldwide. So, what is it about El Gaitero that make it so popular?
Process
To ensure consistency and the best possible flavours, El Gaitero is produced by traditional methods using 100% Spanish apples from select orchards, (specifically picked due to their high levels of both sweet and acidic characteristics), which is a rarity in modern cider making. After extracting the high juice levels from the Spanish apples, a slow fermentation takes place at low temperature levels to create the natural cider base. Further filtration and the addition of CO2 produces a well-balanced sparkling cider with the perfect match of flavours and aromas, which is much loved in Spain.
Taste
Due to the meticulous process and ingredients used (100 percent fresh apple juice), El Gaitero, which comes in dry apple and red grape flavours, is a far cry from the typical ciders on the UK market. The Red Grape is a mix of freshly pressed Spanish apples and Tempranillo grapes, producing a bright rose coloured cider with fresh aromas and a fruity medium flavour. With fruit cider expected to be the breakout star of 2017/18*, El Gaitero Red Grape is the perfect alternative to sweeter fruit ciders.
Tradition
Coming from the city of Asturias, it is only right that El Gaitero’s recommended pour is the traditional Asturian ‘throwing’ pour, a theatrical and traditional serve designed to dramatically enhance the cider’s natural flavours and aromas. To master the cider ‘throw’, a small amount of El Gaitero should be poured into a 45 degree angled glass (held at waist level) from a height of three feet. It is recommended that the cider is consumed in small ‘gulps’ to both preserve the carbonation and allow you to fully take in the aromas of the cider as you slowly drink. Master this trick and you are bound to get customers talking!
El Gaitero Red Grape stands at 4% ABV and comes in 500mlx12 packs. Enjoy chilled with you favourite tapas or dessert crepes. For more information, visit the product page or contact info@instildrinks.co.uk.
*Westen’s cider report 2016
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