Asturian natural cider is not only the kind that is poured from on high. The DOP Sidra de Asturias also covers filtered cider (the "new expression" style, served straight into a wine glass without pouring) and sparkling cider, with its fine bubbles. To give them a place on menus, the Regulatory Council has awarded its Gold Certificates (Certificados Oro) for the first time, honouring 16 Asturian restaurants and cider bars.

They were presented on Wednesday 4 November in the church of the Universidad Laboral in Gijón, at the 7th Filtered and Sparkling Natural Cider Show, with a tasting of DOP ciders paired with oysters and Asturian cheeses.

What it takes

To earn the certificate, a venue must offer at least three DOP filtered or sparkling ciders from two different cider makers, grouped together in a section of their own on the menu, apart from the wines. "The time has come to proudly stand up for what is ours," said the Regulatory Council, whose president, Jorge García, congratulated the cider makers who produce them.

The winners

  • Casa Farpón (Argüelles)
  • Ayalga (Ribadesella)
  • La Tabla (Gijón)
  • Alterna Sidrerías (Oviedo), with Alterna Teatinos and Alterna Rosal
  • La Corte de Pelayo (Oviedo)
  • Zascandil (Gijón)
  • La Montera Picona (Gijón)
  • Río Astur (Gijón)
  • Arraigo (Posada de Llanera)
  • La Finca Gastrobar (Oviedo)
  • Sidrería Fonte Villoria (Lugones)
  • El Tonel (Villaviciosa)
  • Casa Gerardo (Prendes)
  • El Balcón de Bueño
  • Eutimio (Lastres)
  • Pedro Martino (Oviedo)

The DOP also gave a special award to the CIFP de Hostelería y Turismo, the hospitality and tourism training school, for training the people who go on to recommend and serve these ciders.