Helen Unger Clark – www.translate.wine

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This week we’re off to Cantabria’s other winemaking region: the IGP Liebana. Although it is best known as the land of orujo, there are a few winemakers in the region!

This IGP is in western Cantabria, nestled in the Picos de Europa. The area’s breathtaking scenery certainly limits the cultivation of the grapes necessary for wine, limiting the yearly production. However, the winemakers are thus able to focus on quality over quantity. It can be tough to find some of these wines! Spain’s famous Guía Peñin (2021) only evaluated four wines from this region, from two wineries, but each wine received a score of 90 or higher.

The regulations allow both white and red wines to be produced using the following varieties: palomino, godello, chardonnay, gewürtzraminer, mencía, tempranillo, garnacha tinta (grenache), graciano, cabernet sauvignon and syrah.

According to the Local Action Group of Liébana, there are just six winemakers located in this region.

While the region is undoubtedly most famous for its orujo, you must also give its wines a try! Many of the wines are available directly online.