W3 Wine School

Manzanilla Sherry (Spain)

Sherry

Sherry is a fortified white wine from Andalusia.

Fino from Jerez is the most dry of the traditional sherrys.

Manzanilla from Sanlúcar is slightly more delicate and more coastal.

Manzanilla Flavors

The maturation under Flor results in a Yeasty flavour profile with notes of Dough, Almonds and Mediterranean Herbs. Fino Sherry also has Mineral notes and a slightly sharp Salinity.

Citrus
Citrus
Apple
Apple
Olive
Olive
Chamomile
Chamomile
Dough
Dough
Almond
Almond
Herbs
Wild Herbs
Salt
Salt

Manzanilla Profile

Fino Sherry and Manzanilla is Light, Crisp and Dry.

SUGAR:3 g/l
BODY:Medium - Light
ACIDITY:Medium
ALCOHOL15%
Temperature Serving temperature:
6-8°C
43-46°F

Manzanilla Food Pairing

Fino has an extraordinary ability to stimulate taste. It is an ideal Aperitif to prepare the palate for food.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Tapas
Tapas
Olives
Olives
Ham
Ham
Salad
Vinagrette
Seafood
Seafood
Sashimi
Sashimi
Cheese
Fresh
Cheese

Tapas

Fino goes well with all Tapas:
Almonds. Nuts. Peanuts. Salty Chips.
Olives. Croquettes. Tortilla.

Cold Cuts

Jamon Serrano. Iberian Ham. Coritzo and other cold cuts.

Seafood

Fried Fish. Clams. Shellfish.
Smoked Salmon. Sushi. Sashimi. Tempura.

Starters

Fino pairs well with fresh starters:
Vinagrette. Salads. Marinades.
Dim Sum. Ceviche. Guacamole.

Cheese

Young Fresh Cheese. Feta. Goat Cheese. Young Manchego.

Spanish Specialities

Patatas Bravas.
Pan con Tomate.
Clams cooked with Sherry.
Roasted Sardines.
Cold soups. Andalusian Gazpacho, Ajoblanco or Salmorejo.

About Sherry

Sherry is a fortified white wine from the region of Jerez in Andalusia, Southern Spain: one of the most southerly winegrowing regions in Europe (latitude 36º North).

Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria mark the three corners of the famous "Sherry Triangle".

The sea breeze, the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the hot and dry climate, the 3 soils (Albariza, Barros, Arenas), the typical grapes (Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel) and biological aging are the secrets to make Sherry.

Albariza soil covers 90% of the Jerez Sherry vineyards.

In spite of the hot and dry climate, in the DO Sherry it is not permitted irrigation.

The special chalky soil stores the winter rainfall and distributes the moisture to the vines during the dry season. Also the sea winds bring moist to the vines.

Sherry Styles

Sherry can be Dry or Sweet.

Sherry can be aged with or without Flor.

Most types are produced from the local Palomino grape.

Dry Sherrys (Generosos) comes in 3 Main Styles:

(Sugar in grams/litre)

StyleGrapeFloorSugarAlcohol
FinoPalominoYes0-515-18%
AmontilladoPalominoHybrid0-518-20%
OlorosoPalominoNo0-518-22%

Sweet Sherrys (Generosos de Licor) comes in 4 styles:

StyleGrapeFlorSugarAlcohol
Pale CreamPalominoYes45-11515-20%
Medium DryPalominoHybrid5-4516-22%
Medium SweetPalominoHybrid45-11516-22%
CreamPalominoNo115-14016-22%

Natural Sweet Sherrys (Dulces Naturales):

StyleGrapeFlorSugarAlcohol
Pedro XiménezPedro Ximénez (PX)No212+15-22%
Moscatel Moscatel de AlejandriaNo160+15-22%

Wine Region Andalucia

Vinos DO de Andalucía

There are 7 DO wine regions in Andalucia:

  • D.O.P. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (1932)
  • D.O.P. Málaga (1932)
  • D.O.P. Montilla-Moriles (1932)
  • D.O.P. Condado de Huelva (1962)
  • D.O.P. Manzanilla-Sanlúcar (1964)
  • D.O.P. Sierras de Málaga (2001)
  • D.O.P. Granada (2018)

The Sherry Triangle

The 3 corners of the famous Sherry Triangle:

  • Jerez de la Frontera
  • Sanlúcar de Barrameda
  • El Puerto de Santa Maria
DO Jerez

Jerez de la Frontera is a city and municipality in the province of Cádiz in Andalusia in Spain. It is famous for its fortified Sherry wines.

The Sherry Triangle (Jerez-Xérès-Sherry) in the province of Cádiz, is renowned for producing Sherry, a fortified wine made primarily from Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes.

Sherry is produced using a unique aging process known as the solera system, which involves fractional blending of wines from different vintages.

The region's chalky albariza soils, warm climate, and coastal influences contribute to the distinctive flavors and styles of Sherry, including Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez.

Climate

Jerez has specific climatic conditions. The winters are mild and the summers very hot and sunny (temperatures often hit 40º C).

In spite of the hot climate, the amount of rain Jerez receives is high. With 650 mm per year, it can compete with England.

Soil Soil

Soil

Albariza soil covers 90% of the Jerez Sherry vineyards. This chalky soil stores the winter rain and distributes the moisture to the vines in the dry season.

Winds

From the Atlantic, the Poniente brings humidity and a cooling effect. The Levante from the Spanish inland, brings hot air and drier conditions. The two winds meet in Jerez and contribute to the peculiar environmental conditions that allow the unique biological ageing of Sherry wines.


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