SWS-Asturius&Cantabria/History Flashcards
1
Q
Who first settled Asturias/Cantabria?
A
Celts during Iron Age (5th century BCE)
2
Q
Where did Celtic tribes live?
A
castros (fortified hilltop towns)
3
Q
Which groups invaded Asturius and Cantabria?
A
- Romans invaded, but never conquered
- Suebi tribe ruled
- Visigoths controlled area
- Moors defeated at battle of Covadonga in 722
- start of Reconquista
4
Q
What role did Benedictine monks play in Asturius and Cantabria?
A
- started winemaking in 9th century
- monasteries established over next 300 years
- determined best sites; sun exposure and protection from north winds
5
Q
What vineyard problems did Asturius and Cantabria have during 19th century?
A
- 1850s: powdery mildew hit NW Spain
- 1889: phylloxera hit
- vineyard area reduced by more than 50%
- replanted with grafted vines
6
Q
What was the result of the success of vineyard renewal in Asturius at the start of 20th century?
A
- request made to designate ‘Wines from Cangus’ as delimited region in 1929
7
Q
What events slowed down recovery after Spanish Civil War?
A
- 1959 hailstorm destroyed crop and damaged vines; no harvest for next 3 years
- coal industry attracted grape growers away from farms
8
Q
When did ‘Wine of Cangas’ gain official recognition?
A
- campaign started in 1990s
- VC Cangas (Asturius) awarded in 2008
