What is Sherry?
A fortified wine from Andalucía on the southern coast of Spain
Sherry reached its apex as a British favorite by the 1870s.
When was Sherry established as one of the first protected Spanish appellations?
1933 with the establishment of a Consejo Regulador
This recognition helped protect the quality and production of Sherry.
What region is known for Sherry production?
Jerez, located within the coastal province of Cádiz
Jerez is the hottest wine region in Spain.
What are the two DO zones for Sherry production?
What is a requirement for Manzanilla Sherry?
Must be aged in the seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda
This aging process is crucial for its unique characteristics.
How do summer temperatures in Jerez de la Frontera compare to Sanlúcar de Barrameda?
Summer average temperatures may be nearly 20° F higher in Jerez de la Frontera
This difference affects grape ripening.
What is the levante wind known for?
It drives men mad and cooks the grapes on the vine during ripening
This hot, dry wind intensifies the region’s heat.
What does the poniente wind promote?
The growth of flor, a film-forming yeast necessary in the maturation of Sherry
The alternation between winds is essential for grape development.
What are the three principal soil types in the Jerez region?
Which soil type is known to produce the best Sherry?
Albariza
It retains moisture and allows vine roots to penetrate deeply.
What is the largest pago in Jerez?
Macharnudo, at over 2000 acres
Most pagos are located within Jerez de la Frontera.
What are the three white grapes authorized for Sherry production?
Which grape is exclusively used for Manzanilla?
Palomino
This grape constitutes approximately 95% of the vineyard acreage in Jerez.
What is the predominant use of Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes?
For sweetening Sherry
Varietal bottlings of these grapes are extremely rare in Jerez.
Where is Moscatel primarily cultivated?
In the arenas soils near Chipiona
This region’s soil type is favorable for the grape.
What is the soleo process?
A drying process where grape bunches are dried in the sun on esparto grass mats prior to pressing
This process typically lasts one to three weeks.
How long may Palomino grapes be sunned in the soleo process?
Rarely for longer than 24 hours and often not at all
What is the traditional training method for vines in Jerez?
Vara y pulgar
When does the harvest typically occur in Jerez?
Late August
What is the maximum yield of grapes per hectare in Jerez?
11,428 kg
What is the press yield of juice from grapes?
70 liters of juice per 100 kg of grapes
What traditional method was used to crush and press grapes?
Under the feet of pisadores wearing zapatos de pisar
What grape is primarily used for Sherry wines?
Palomino Fino
Why must Palomino Fino be pressed quickly after picking?
It is prone to rapid oxidation