Review of Sidra Asturiana Mayador’s limited release sparkling natural cider.  It is my first time trying this, but I’ve tried a few other Spanish sidras (including the still version of this cider).

>>This is a review of a sample bottle provided to Cider Says by Winesellers, Ltd.  Although I will take care to treat it the same as any other review, there is always the potential for bias as I received it for free.  The only consideration I knowingly made was pushing this up in my cider review cue.  I love free stuff, especially cider!  Want your cider or cider-related product reviewed here?  Contact me.<<

Cider:  Sparkling Natural Cider, limited release
Cidery:  Sidra Asturiana Mayador
Cidery Location:  Asturia Spain
ABV:  5.0%
How Supplied:  750ml corked & caged bottles
Style:  Spanish Sidra, natural, sparkling

 

Availability:  Semi wide release in the U.S. through Winesellers, Ltd.  Their cider portfolio also includes Le Brun, Domaine de la Minotiere, Manoir de Grandouet, & Cidrerie Daufresne from France, and Dunkertons from England.

Description:  Manuel Busto Amandi founded the bodega in 1939 for the production of natural cider.  Subsequently, the Mayador range of ciders was developed and includes this limited release sparkling cider.  It is produced from our traditional Sidra Natural fermented in chestnut barrels, creating a fresh, medium-dry style and light effervescence.

Price:  n/a (retails for $8)
Where Bought:  n/a
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  the importer contacted me

First Impression:  Moderate straw yellow hue.  Low carbonation (less than expected).  Smells of sourness and citrus.

Tasting Notes:  Semi-dry to semi-sweet.  Light bodied with a fluffy texture.  Low tartness.  Moderate acidity.  Low sourness.  Hints of bitterness and tannins.  No funk.  Notes of lemon, grapefruit, mineral, and a hint of vinegar.  Low apple flavor.  Moderate sessionability, flavor intensity, and complexity.

My Opinion:  I’m the first to admit that I’m not a fan of sour ciders such as Spanish Sidra.  However, I was pretty ambivalent on this one; I liked it more than I expected to.  I shared it with some cider friends who are fans of Sidra, and they enjoyed it.

Most Similar to:  Spanish Sidras which are a bit sweeter and less sour, such as Bereziartua Sidra Natural and Viuda de Angelon Sidra Brut.

Side Note:  It is much more common to find still (vs. sparkling) Sidra.  It is usually “thrown” (poured) from a height to naturally aerate it.  Here is a great guide on Spanish Sidra.

Closing Notes:  I would recommend Sidra Asturiana Mayador’s sparkling limited release natural cider especially to folks not familiar with Spanish Sidra, as it has qualities which makes it easier for a beginner to enjoy (higher sweetness and less sourness).  Or, for an even more beginner friendly Sidra (although this one is made using pears), Viuda de Angelon Sidra de Pera.

Have you tried Spanish Sidra?  What did you think?