Cigales is a very small region in central northern Spainin that was granted official DO status in 1991 although the area has a wine history and vines dating back more than 100 years. It covers an area of 2600 ha and is at an altitude of 750 m with the vineyard planted to the dominant varieties of Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo), Garnacha, Verdejo and Abillo. Cigales has a dry, continental climate with some cooling influences Franceom the Atlantic and the altitude. It has generally poor soils with clay and patches of limestone which give the wines minerality and intense concentrated flavours. Cigales was traditionally known for rosé styles, but red and white wines are increasingly produced in the region.