Wine from Jerez-Manzanilla

Jerez-Manzanilla: Oenological Jewels of Andalusia

Welcome to the category dedicated to the charm of the Marco de Jerez, a wine region in southern Spain famous for its unmistakable fortified wines. From the historic Jerez, known internationally as "Sherry", to the fresh Manzanilla of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, we invite you to discover a palette of flavours and aromas second to none.

The Jerez-Manzanilla denomination is in fact two denominations of origin: the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO and the Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda DO, both located in the province of Cádiz. They are two distinct denominations which, however, share the same vineyards, the same Regulatory Council, and a very similar style of production with a long history: the solera-criadera system.

Jerez's history is as old as its wines and vineyards, introduced by the Phoenicians around 1000 BC. They founded Cádiz, believed to be the oldest city in Europe, and to its north lies the area of wine production known as the Marco de Jerez region, a triangle formed by the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, among others.

Main Characteristics of Sherry-Manzanilla Wines

• Diversity and Tradition: In the Marco de Jerez, viticulture has evolved over millennia, producing a wide range of wines, from dry Fino and Manzanilla to sweet Pedro Ximénez.
• Climate and "Velo de Flor": The particularity of the Andalusian climate, together with the natural formation of the "velo de flor", a type of yeast that protects the wine during ageing, results in wines with a unique character.
• Ageing under the Soleras System: This ancestral ageing method ensures that each bottle leaving the winery is a blend of wines of different ages, offering complexity and consistency.

The wines are fortified and sweet, which means that in production, they undergo special processes to help their preservation and stability.

The system of winemaking in American oak barrels used by the bodegas is known as criaderas and soleras (fractional blending of vintages using tiers of oak butts) : an exceptional system of ageing that allows young wines to take on the characteristics of older wines.

Always starting proceedings with the only three grape varieties authorised by the DO ( Palomino, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel ), it is through this elaborate process that the various styles are produced,   which can be categorised as follows: Fino, Amontillado, Manzanilla, dry and sweet Olorosos, Palo Cortado, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel.

The natural characteristics of the terroir are clearly defined by the location and soils, lying in the far south of the country, right at the mouth of the Guadalquivir estuary, while strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and its damp winds.

In addition, the special traits of the region's soil, called Albariza, make it ideal for viticulture. Its spongy and deep composition allows it to retain moisture efficiently during the driest months of the year.

Our Careful Selection of Jerez-Manzanilla

In this online shop, we have chosen for you the finest examples of Sherry and Manzanilla, representing all the varieties and styles that this unique region has to offer.

FAQs

What is Manzanilla wine?

Manzanilla wine is a dry Spanish fortified wine made in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, in Andalusia. It is a lighter, fresher style of sherry with salty and almond notes, closely linked to the Atlantic climate.

What does Manzanilla taste like?

Manzanilla sherry is typically crisp, dry and refreshing. You can expect flavours of green apple, chamomile, sea salt, almonds and fresh bread dough.

Is Manzanilla the same as sherry?

Yes. Manzanilla wine is a type of sherry wine made under the Jerez fortified wine system. It follows strict ageing rules and develops under a layer of yeast called flor.

Where is Manzanilla wine made?

Authentic manzanilla wine Spain comes from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, within the Sherry Triangle in southern Spain.

How should you serve Manzanilla sherry?

Serve manzanilla sherry very cold, ideally between 6 and 8°C, in a white wine glass to highlight its freshness and aromatic profile.

What food pairs well with Manzanilla wine?

Manzanilla wine pairs especially well with olives, almonds, seafood, sushi, fried fish, Iberian ham and tapas.

What is the difference between Fino and Manzanilla?

Both are dry sherries aged under flor yeast, but manzanilla sherry comes only from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It is usually lighter, fresher and more saline than Fino.

Does Manzanilla wine contain alcohol?

Yes. Like other jerez fortified wine styles, manzanilla wine usually has around 15% alcohol.

Can you age Manzanilla sherry after opening?

Yes, but it is best enjoyed fresh. Once opened, store manzanilla sherry in the fridge and drink it within a week for the best flavour.

Why is Manzanilla wine popular in Spain?

Manzanilla wine Spain is appreciated for its freshness, versatility with food and ability to reflect the coastal character of Andalusia.

• Avda. del Alcalde Álvaro Domecq, 2 11402 Jerez de la Frontera
• +34 956 332 050
• vinjerez@sherry.org
• http://www.sherry.org/