Cigales is situated in north west Spain and was denominated as a wine region as recently as 1991. Most winemaking over the last century was done on a part-time or hobby basis which means the vineyards are all fragmented and generally old. The vines are predominantly Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) with many vineyards over 60 years old. The climate can be dry and harsh but it is high and cool which produces wines with good structure.

With the land considerably cheaper in Cigales than eastern neighbour Ribera del Duero it is attracting a lot of interest.