How is Spanish cider made?
Spanish cider is made by milling and pressing sharp native apples and letting the juice ferment naturally with wild yeast and bacteria, traditionally in chestnut or other wooden vessels. Traditional sidra natural is unfiltered and nearly still, with only the gas left from fermentation. Sparkling sidras get a second fermentation in the bottle.
Updated
Key facts
- Natural fermentation. BJCP 2025 says Spanish cider is "Produced from sharp and bittersharp apples using a natural co-fermentation of yeast and bacteria", and is "Traditionally slow-fermented in chestnut vessels". [1]
- Little gas. "Traditional ciders are called Sidra Natural, and only have residual carbonation from fermentation. Sparkling sidras are a modern product using secondary refermentation in the bottle." [1]
- Living heritage. UNESCO lists Asturian cider culture, including the knowledge of "milling, pressing and fermenting the apple must", which is passed on within families. [2]
How is Spanish cider made, step by step?
- Apples. Sharp and bittersharp native varieties; for Sidra de Asturias, only approved varieties from registered orchards. [1] [3]
- Milling and pressing. The apples are milled and pressed; UNESCO lists milling, pressing and fermenting among the skills passed on in Asturian families. [2]
- Natural fermentation. Yeast and bacteria from the fruit and the cellar ferment the juice, which gives the light acetic and wild notes typical of the style. [1]
- Bottling. Traditional sidra natural is bottled unfiltered; filtered "new expression" cider is filtered before bottling. [4]
- Serving. Traditional sidra is poured from a height to wake up the gas; see how to pour Spanish cider and the glossary entry for escanciado.
How do Asturian and Basque ciders differ?
BJCP 2025 says "Basque cider is more earthy, leathery, and woody, with more bitterness and a stronger sourness compared to the milder, floral and fruity Asturias cider". [1] In the Basque Country, cider is drunk straight from the barrel in cider houses during the season; see cider bar vs cider house. [5] For strength, see does Spanish cider have alcohol.
Related answers: how to pour Spanish cider · does Spanish cider have alcohol
Find it on Cider Radar
- Cider makers in Asturias: 43 makers listed (as of 2026-10-02). Also the Basque Country (41), as of 2026-10-02.
- All Spanish cider makers: 100 (as of 2026-10-02) · Guide: Spanish sidra
- You can order directly from the maker in Cider Radar (iOS, Android and web).
- Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
Which apples are used for Sidra de Asturias?
Only registered orchards of approved varieties can be used; the PDO's regulatory council checks for "the exclusive presence of the 76 authorised varieties". [3]
What is the difference between traditional and filtered sidra natural?
The PDO describes two types: traditional cider, which is unfiltered and poured from a height, and filtered cider, also called new expression cider, which is filtered before bottling and is not poured from a height. [4]
Sources
- 2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines, version 2 (PDF) — BJCP
- Asturian cider culture — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- About us — Consejo Regulador DOP Sidra de Asturias
- Natural cider — Consejo Regulador DOP Sidra de Asturias
- The culture and tradition of Basque Sagardotegi (cider breweries) — Tourism Euskadi (Basque Government)