What are the reasons for the development of "FLOR" in the Sherry and how it impacts the wine?

"FLOR" typically refers to the layer of yeast that forms on the surface of Sherry wines during their aging process. The development of FLOR is a crucial aspect of the traditional Sherry-making method, and it has a significant impact on the characteristics of the wine.

Here's some information on the development of FLOR in Sherry and its impact on the wine:

1. Formation of FLOR:

FLOR is a layer of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that forms naturally on the surface of the wine during the initial stages of aging in the Sherry production process.

This process occurs in the solera system, a unique and dynamic aging system used in Sherry production.

2. Biological Aging:

Sherry wines undergo two main types of aging: biological aging and oxidative aging. FLOR is associated with biological aging.

The layer of yeast acts as a protective barrier, preventing the wine from coming into direct contact with air. This biological aging process imparts specific characteristics to the wine.

3. Impact on Flavor and Aroma:

FLOR contributes to the development of unique flavors and aromas in Sherry wines. The yeast metabolizes certain compounds in the wine, producing distinctive nutty, yeasty, and briny notes.

The presence of FLOR also helps maintain the freshness and acidity of the wine.

4. Sherry Styles:

The presence or absence of FLOR during aging determines the style of Sherry. Fino and Manzanilla styles are characterized by the presence of FLOR throughout the aging process, resulting in lighter, more delicate wines.

If FLOR is intentionally allowed to die off, the wine undergoes oxidative aging, leading to a different set of flavors and characteristics seen in Amontillado and Oloroso Sherries.

5. Longevity and Stability:

FLOR plays a role in the longevity and stability of Sherry wines. The protective layer prevents excessive oxidation and spoilage, allowing the wines to age gracefully over extended periods.

In summary, FLOR is a key element in the production of certain styles of Sherry wines, influencing their flavor, aroma, and aging characteristics. It is a natural occurrence in the unique and traditional winemaking process of the Sherry region.

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How different are the fortified wines from regular table wines apart from an enhanced alcoholic strength?

 Fortified wines are indeed different from regular table wines in several ways beyond their enhanced alcoholic strength. Here are some of the key distinctions:

Alcohol Content:

Fortified wines have a significantly higher alcohol content than regular table wines. While most table wines typically contain around 12-15% alcohol by volume, fortified wines can range from 15% to 22% or more. This higher alcohol content is achieved through the addition of a distilled spirit, usually grape brandy, during the winemaking process.

Fermentation Process:

In the case of fortified wines, fermentation is intentionally halted before all the grape sugars have been converted to alcohol. This is done by adding the distilled spirit, which raises the alcohol level and stops the yeast from fermenting further. This results in a sweeter wine with residual sugar, whereas most table wines are fermented to dryness, containing very little residual sugar.

Flavor Profiles:

Fortified wines often have more complex and concentrated flavors compared to regular table wines. They can exhibit a wide range of flavor profiles, including nutty, caramel, dried fruit, spice, and various oxidative characteristics, depending on the type of fortified wine.

Aging and Oxidation:

Fortified wines are typically aged for longer periods than table wines, often in a solera system or through traditional methods like oxidative aging in open barrels. This extended aging process contributes to their unique flavors and aromas, as well as the development of secondary and tertiary characteristics.

Serving Temperature:

Fortified wines are often served at different temperatures than table wines. For example, sherry is commonly served chilled or at room temperature, while port is typically served at slightly warmer temperatures, enhancing their distinct flavor profiles.

Styles of Fortified Wine:

There are various styles of fortified wines, each with its own characteristics. Some well-known examples include:

Port: A rich, sweet, and often red wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Sherry: A diverse range of fortified wines produced in the Jerez region of Spain, available in dry and sweet styles.

Madeira: A fortified wine from the island of Madeira, available in a wide range of styles from dry to sweet.

Vermouth: A fortified and aromatized wine commonly used in cocktails.

Food Pairing:

Fortified wines are often paired with specific types of food that complement their sweetness and flavors. For example, the port is often enjoyed with desserts or cheese, while dry sherry can pair well with tapas.

In summary, while both fortified wines and table wines are made from grapes, the differences in alcohol content, fermentation process, flavor profiles, aging methods, and serving practices create a distinct category of beverages that offer a wide variety of options for wine enthusiasts.

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How does the character of Sherry Wine change with the development of "Flor"?

 Sherry wine is a unique and complex fortified wine that undergoes a variety of changes as it ages, and one of the most significant factors in these changes is the development of "flor," a layer of yeast that forms on the surface of the wine during its maturation. The character of Sherry wine can change significantly with the development of flor in the following ways:

Aromatic Complexity: The development of flor contributes to the wine's aromatic complexity. Initially, Sherry wines may exhibit fruity and nutty aromas. As the flor yeast layer forms and interacts with the wine, it imparts additional complex aromas, such as those of bread dough, green apples, and a hint of sea breeze.

Reduction of Oxidative Characteristics: Flor acts as a protective layer that helps to reduce the wine's exposure to oxygen. This reduction in oxidative contact results in a fresher, crisper, and more vibrant character in the wine. It prevents the wine from turning brown and losing its vitality, which can happen in wines exposed to oxygen.

Enhanced Fino or Manzanilla Characteristics: Sherry wines that develop a thick flor layer are typically categorized as Fino or Manzanilla. These wines are known for their light, delicate, and crisp character, often with pronounced notes of green apples, almonds, and a salty tang. The development of flor is essential for these specific Sherry styles, and it is responsible for their distinctive characteristics.

Yeast Influence: The presence of flor yeast contributes a unique flavor profile to Sherry. This yeast imparts yeasty and bready notes to the wine, along with hints of nuts and spices. These flavors develop over time as the flor yeast interacts with the wine.

Acidity and Freshness: Flor helps to maintain the wine's high acidity and freshness. As a result, Sherry wines with flor tend to be lively and zesty on the palate. The acidity balances the wine's other flavors and aromas.

Variability: The character of Sherry can vary depending on the development of flor and other factors such as the specific aging process, the type of Sherry (Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, etc.), and the specific bodega (winery) where the wine is produced. Some Sherries may have a thicker flor layer and exhibit more intense characteristics, while others may have a thinner flor layer and display subtler nuances.

In summary, the development of flor is a crucial factor in shaping the character of Sherry wine. It leads to a reduction in oxidative aging, adds aromatic complexity, and contributes unique flavors and aromas. The specific style of Sherry and the influence of the flor layer will determine the wine's ultimate characteristics, whether it's a crisp Fino, a nutty Amontillado, or another Sherry style.

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Fortified Wines of Italy: A Detailed Exploration

 Fortified wines hold a prominent place in the world of Italian viticulture, with a rich history spanning centuries. These unique wines, made by adding distilled spirits such as brandy to the base wine, undergo a complex production process that results in distinct flavors and aromas. In Italy, several regions are renowned for producing fortified wines of exceptional quality and character. This note delves into the world of fortified wines in Italy, exploring their origins, production methods, and highlighting some of the notable varieties.

Origins and Historical Significance:

The tradition of fortified winemaking in Italy can be traced back to ancient times. Historically, fortified wines were highly sought after for their ability to withstand long journeys, making them ideal for trading purposes. Italy's strategic location and access to a range of grape varietals contributed to the country's reputation for producing exceptional fortified wines.

Production Process:

The production of fortified wines involves the addition of a grape spirit, typically brandy, to the base wine. This fortification process interrupts the fermentation, leaving behind residual sugar and higher alcohol levels. The fortification not only preserves the wine but also imparts unique characteristics, including increased sweetness, enhanced aromas, and greater aging potential.

Notable Fortified Wines of Italy:

a. Marsala:

Marsala, hailing from the island of Sicily, is one of Italy's most famous fortified wines. Made primarily from the Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia grape varieties, Marsala offers a wide range of styles, ranging from dry to sweet. It is aged using the solera system, creating a multi-vintage blend with layers of complexity.

b. Vin Santo:

Vin Santo, predominantly produced in Tuscany, is a dessert wine made from white or red grape varieties. The grapes are dried on mats or hung in well-ventilated areas to concentrate their sugars before fermentation. After fermentation, the wine is aged in small wooden barrels, resulting in a rich, amber-colored wine with notes of dried fruits, honey, and nuts.

c. Vermouth:

Although not exclusively an Italian invention, Italy has become renowned for producing exceptional vermouth. Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine infused with botanicals such as herbs, spices, and roots. This versatile wine is commonly used as an aperitif or in various cocktail recipes. Piedmont, in northwestern Italy, is particularly famous for its vermouth production.

d. Amaro:

Amaro, often classified as a bitter liqueur, can also be considered a fortified wine due to its wine base. Amaro is made by macerating herbs, roots, and botanicals in a wine or spirit base, followed by the addition of sugar and aging. Various regions in Italy produce their unique styles of amaro, such as Amaro Montenegro, Amaro Averna, and Fernet-Branca.

Serving and Pairing:

Fortified wines of Italy are enjoyed in various ways, depending on the style. Marsala is often served as an aperitif or digestif, and its versatility makes it suitable for both cooking and pairing with desserts. Vin Santo is typically enjoyed after a meal, paired with biscotti or aged cheeses. Vermouth is commonly served in cocktails or enjoyed on its own with a twist of citrus. Amaro is savored neat or used as a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Negroni.

Italy's fortified wines offer a diverse range of flavors, aromas, and styles, reflecting the country's winemaking heritage. From the iconic Marsala to the aromatic Vin Santo, vermouth, and amaro, these wines provide an exploration of the country

Importance of Solera System into the making of Sherry

 Sherry wine is a fortified wine that is produced exclusively in the Jerez region of Andalusia, Spain. The unique character of Sherry wine is largely attributed to the Solera system of aging that is used in its production. The Solera system is a complex process that involves blending different vintages of wine to create a consistent and high-quality product. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the Solera system in the making of Sherry wine.

What is the Solera system?

The Solera system is a traditional aging method that has been used for centuries in the production of Sherry wine. It involves a series of stacked barrels or casks, called criaderas, that hold different vintages of wine. The oldest wine is stored in the bottom tier of the stack, while the youngest wine is stored in the top tier. The wine is aged by the process of fractional blending, where a portion of the oldest wine is drawn from the bottom tier and blended with the younger wines in the tiers above. This creates a consistent and uniform flavor profile for the wine.

How does the Solera system work in Sherry wine production?

The Solera system is an essential part of the Sherry wine production process. Once the grapes have been harvested and fermented, the wine is aged in barrels for a minimum of three years before it is bottled. The Solera system is used during the aging process to ensure that the wine develops a consistent flavor profile and maintains its quality over time.

The Solera system is made up of several levels of barrels or casks, each containing wine of a different age. The bottom level, known as the solera, contains the oldest wine, which is typically around five years old. The second level, known as the first criadera, contains wine that is around three years old. The third level, known as the second criadera, contains wine that is around two years old. The top level, known as the third criadera, contains the youngest wine, which is typically around one year old.

Throughout the aging process, a portion of the wine is drawn from the solera and blended with the wine in the first criadera. This process is known as saca, and it helps to refresh the wine in the first criadera and create a consistent flavor profile. The wine that is removed from the solera is replaced with wine from the first criadera, which is then topped up with wine from the second criadera. This process continues up through the levels, with the youngest wine being replaced with new wine each year.

Why is the Solera system important in the making of Sherry wine?

The Solera system is important in the making of Sherry wine for several reasons. First, it ensures that the wine maintains a consistent flavor profile and quality over time. By blending different vintages of wine, the Solera system creates a complex and nuanced flavor that is unique to Sherry wine. Second, it allows winemakers to produce large quantities of wine while maintaining a high level of quality. Finally, it ensures that the wine is aged properly and develops the characteristic flavors and aromas of Sherry wine.

In conclusion, the Solera system is an essential part of the Sherry wine production process. It ensures that the wine maintains a consistent flavor profile and quality over time, allows winemakers to produce large quantities of wine while maintaining a high level of quality, and ensures that the wine is aged properly and develops the characteristic flavors and aromas of Sherry wine. Without the Solera system, it would be impossible to produce the unique and complex flavors of Sherry wine that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.

THE WORLD OF WINE AND SPIRITS

The World of Wine & Spirits from HEMANT SINGH

Beverages are potable drinks which have thirst-quenching, refreshing, stimulating and nourishing qualities. By refreshing, one means the replenishment of fluid loss from the body due to perspiration. Simulation results in increase of the heart beat and blood pressure. This is due to the intake of spirits (alcohol) or tea (thein) and coffee (coffein). Nourishment is provided by the nutrients in the beverages, especially fruit juices. Most of the beverages supply energy in the form of sugar or
alcohol. They also provide other nutrients like mineral salts and vitamins. For example, milk gives calcium and citrus fruits give vitamin C.
Generally, people drink for one or more of six reasons; to quench thirst, to get drunk, to enjoy a social setting (social drinking), to enjoy the taste of the beverage, to feed an addiction (alcoholism), or as part of a religious or traditional ceremony or custom (proposing toast).

The World of Wine & Spirits

SHERRY

Pairing Sherry with Food:

Anything with nuts in it probably has a friend in some sort of sherry. Finos and Manzanillas make great aperitifs, and match perfectly with many tapas and hors-doevres such as olives, shrimp, nuts, and hard cheeses; light Manzanillas are also a hit with raw oysters. Amontillados are a little more robust; I find they're great with creamy soups like chowders and bisques and may be the best sherry for main courses like game birds and white meats generally. Oloroso, Cream, and Pedro Ximenez Sherries can all work with a variety of desserts, and the latter also complements blue cheeses like Cabrales or Valdeon very well. A dry Oloroso or even a Palo Cortado can also suit beef dishes; although they lack tannins that would cut through fattiness, their inherent intensity often balances well and the Oloroso's flavor can add depth to the meat

SHERRY

Some Thoughts on Serving Sherry

While most people have a good idea how to store and serve red and white table wines, sherry sometimes trips them up. In fact, poor service and storage is one of the reasons sherry is less popular than it deserves. Here are some guidelines to help you get the most out of drinking sherry.
Temperature: Finos, and Manzanillas should be served chilled, as should Amontillados and Palo Cortados, if somewhat less so. Opinion is divided on Olorosos, and I tend to let the occasion dictate; in warmer weather I prefer to chill it ever so slightly. Cream sherries are drank at all sorts of temperatures, even on the rocks with a slice of lemon. This is in keeping with their commercial character; the more ways that can be recommended to serve a drink, the more occasions a consumer might purchase it. If for some reason I have to drink a poor-quality cream sherry - for politeness' sake, let's say - I try to drink it as cold as possible to mask its flaws as much as possible.
Glasses: Because it is fortified and therefore stronger than many wines, sherry is usually served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. The traditional variety is called a copita. However, I must admit that at home I drink it from a larger Chardonnay glass so I don't have to go to the fridge so often.
Storing: Sherry has had all the aging it needs before it is released. The richer styles will last quite some time in an unopened bottle, but will not perceptibly improve from the experience. Finos and Manzanillas are much more delicate and should be drunk as soon as possible after purchase as they tend to lose their freshness just as many crisp, light, unfortified white wines do. Some experts even suggest confirming that your local supplier moves enough sherry to ensure that the bottles haven't been sitting around the store too long.
There is a common misperception that sherry, once opened, remains fresh for quite some time, like some other fortified wines (madeira, for example) and liquors. This is unfortunately not the case, and another reason that sherry is not as popular as it deserves to be with Americans is that they try it at a restaurant that has kept a bottle of Fino sitting on the bar for several months developing dust on the bottle like a reminder of the flor that once helped make the wine great. In restaurants it is definitely important to order sherry at a place that takes wine seriously and sells a fair amount of sherry. They should keep their finos and mazanillas chilled and ideally use some sort of vacuum stopper to help protect the wine once it has been opened.
At home try to finish a bottle of any of the drier sherries within a few days, and keep the wine refrigerated and stoppered after opening. Amontillados, Olorosos and Cream sherries will last much longer whether chilled or otherwise; usually a couple of months or so. This makes them a safer bet in restaurants that may not sell too much sherry generally.

SHERRY

Sherry and Food

Sherry is a blended wine of several years, not a single vintage. The differences between the various types of Sherry are much more marked that those of table wines from the same bodega with different vintages.
The diversity of Sherry makes it difficult to acquire a good knowledge of them, which is in itself a challenge to any gourmet.
Sherry has traditionally been thought of as an aperitif, but its diversity gives it an amazing versatility and makes it perfectly adaptable to different events and meals. There's a Sherry for every occasion:
Fino
Fino is pale straw colored, with a delicate crisp aroma (nutty), dry and light on the palate, and aged under "flor". Ideal with "tapas" and to accompany soups, seafood, fish, ham and mild cheese. It must be served chilled.
Manzanilla
Exclucively from the bodegas of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where it is aged under "flor". Manzanilla is straw colored, has a crisp aroma, and is dry and light on the palate. Ideal with all sorts of "tapas" or to drink with soups, seafood, fish, ham and mild cheese. It must be served chilled.
Amontillado
Amber in color, naturally dry but with a deep fresh nutty aroma. Smooth and full-bodied on the palate. Besides being a perfect aperitif, it's a good match for fowl, stronger tasting fish and ripened cheese.
Oloroso
Initially dry, amber-mahogany in color, with a strongly fragrant aroma as its name implies. Full-bodied (nutty). Oloroso is very good before meals, and ideal to accompany game and red meats.
Pale Cream
A smooth wine of pale or very pale color, with a crisp aroma, and a sweet taste. It is an excellent companion to fois-gras or a fresh fruit salad.
Cream
Cream Sherry is an Oloroso sweetened with rich Pedro Ximenez. Its color is dark of very dark mahogany. Its aroma is rounded, crisp and velvety being full-bodied on the palate. It's the ideal type of Sherry to accompany desserts

SHERRY

The Varieties of Sherry

Here are the various types of Sherry, depending on the evolution of the "veil of flor"
(Editor's Note: For those less familiar with true sherry, it's important to note that, aside from the Pedro Xinemez, none of these wines are usually sweet. The "Cream" sherries one sees outside of Spain are blends sweetened especially for the export market, which is why Mr. Benito does not address them. The Cream style was developed to cater to the 19th century British market; while there are some quality wines made in this style, by-and-large these wines have only hurt the reputation of sherry abroad):

FINO: The most popular and delicate of the sherries. Finos are made with 100% Palomino grapes and develop and retain the veil of flor for their entire aging process. Usually the flor does not provide a hermetic seal, so some oxidation occurs which gives the fino a marked and penetrating aroma.
MANZANILLA: A fino, but made in the bodegas in Sanlucar de Barrameda, at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river. Here the humidity pretty much guarantees a permanent cap of flor that insulates the wine, making this the palest and lightest of the sherries, with a very characteristic iodine note.
AMONTILLADO: A wine that starts being aged as a fino, but which loses its veil of flor during the solera aging process and so is fortified and aged oxidatively (exposed to the air). This gives the wine greater acidity and a darker, golden shade; sharp notes of dried fruits stand out on the nose, with a fuller body than a fino.
MANZANILLA PASADA: Made in the same manner as the Amontillado of Jerez, but more elegant, but less well-known; like Manzanilla, it is made exclusively in Sanlucar de Barrameda.
OLOROSO: This wine is fortified early on to 18% alcohol, and so never develops any flor. All the aging is oxidative and lasts much longer - it usually takes at least 10 years before the wine is brought together into the solera process. Complex and full-bodied, with a dark, mahogany color, olorosos show notes of walnuts and hazelnuts.
PALO CORTADO: This is an oloroso with very special characteristics; it begins by "wanting" to be a fino; the flor develops, but falters and so the wine evolves into an amontillado. Then the winemaker decides to age the wine extensively, like an oloroso. This wine earns its name when the winemaker marks the cask by cutting (cortado= cut) a mark on the cask to set it apart for this prolonged aging. They are classified with one, two, three, or four cuts depending on the wine's age. A joy.
PEDRO XIMENEZ: A wine made solely from grapes of the same name, the grape clusters are picked, raisinated in the sun and then collected again; this process concentrates the richness of the sugars. During fermentation a neutral grape brandy is added to the must which stops fermentation with some residual sugar remaining. The result is a sweet fortified wine which is then aged to balance the wine. These wines are smooth and velvety on the palate, with a refreshing acidity.

The wines of Montilla-Moriles are classified in the same manner as those of Jerez with the notable exception that they are made with the Pedro Ximenez grape, which does not need to be fortified to develop the veil of flor. This difference means some subtle differences such as more body, smoothness, and some bitterness. Some of the Pedro Ximenez (P.X.) sweet wines made here are truly spectacular, above all in special vintages like the 1939.
Sherry is a very special and often under-valued contribution to the world of wine which regales our senses and enchants us with its extraordinary character.

SHERRY

Quality Control

All wines entitled to carry the label Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Sanlúcar de Barrameda are protected by the Denomination of Origin that guarantees their control from vine to bottle.
The Romans were the first to establish control over our wines, making it compulsory for the amphorae containing wine from the region to be marked with four "A"s. In 1483, the town council of Jerez issued decrees governing the export of wines and rasins and establishing the laws that should control the production and ageing of wine, the characteristics of the casks and the wood they should be made, as well as rules for grape harvesting and transportation. Only casks which complied with these regulations could be marketed with the town seal as a guarantee of quality.
On 27 October, 1733, the Consejo Real de Castilla (The Royal Council of Castille) endorsed the Decrees of the Wine Trade Guild regulating the storage, ageing and transport of wines from the the called Xerez (Sherry), even establishing a register of inns authorized to dispense Sherry.
Finally, in January 1935 the Consejo Regulador of the Denomination of Origin Jerez-Xérès-Sherry was created.

SHERRY

Ageing

Sherry is aged by an original system called "criaderas y solera" in American oak casks of 600 liters, filled to 5/6ths capacity. While in other Denominations (D.O.) the casks are hermetically sealed, in Jerez they are open to allow the wine to be aired by the southwest breezes which, when in contact with the natural yeasts of the Palomino grape, form a veil of growing yeast or "flor" that isolates the wine from the air, thus giving it its characteristic nutrients, aroma and taste.
Sherry butts (casks) are stacked in at least three rows. The first row (solera), that is nearest to the floor, contains the oldest wine ready to be drawn for bottling. The quantity that has been taken from the bottom row (solera) is replaced from the row above (1st criadera), which is refilled in turn from the row above (2nd criadera), and so on until the youngest criadera is topped off with carefully selected "new" wine.
All sherry wines must age for at least three years - the minimum for Finos and Manzanillas. Amontillados are left to age for (at least 5 years), and Olorosos 7 years.

SHERRY

The Solera

Flor is the first element unique to sherry; the solera aging system is the second. This special aging method was thought up to balance the characters of the different wines. In principle, long lines of casks are stacked on top of each other at least three casks high. This stack is called the solera, and each layer of barrels is called a criadera. When the time comes to bottle the wine, one third of the contents of the lowest cask in the solera is siphoned off; the cask is then topped off with the same amount of wine from the cask immediately above it in the solera. Similarly, each criadera is replenished with wine from the "younger" criadera above it. The barrels at the top of the solera are topped off with wine from the most recent vintage. This process unifies the aromas and provides a consistency which makes them unique.
The Finos are required to pass through a minimum of three criaderas before bottling, but it is possible to find complex soleras with as many as 14 levels. If the flor dies during the solera aging process the wine becomes an amontillado. It is refortified to prevent future flor development and transferred to a separate solera for further aging.

SHERRY

The Veil of Flor

When fermentation has finished, the wine has reached a minimum of 13.5% alcohol; the wine is racked into 500 liter casks, but they are not filled to the top as they would be in almost any other wine region of the world. Inside the cask an unusual biological aging begins under what is known as the "veil of flor," a white cap resembling foam which forms on the surface of the wine. However, for this to occur the wine must possess between 15% and 17.5% alcohol, so in Jerez and Manzanilla the winemaker fortifies it with neutral grape brandy; in Montilla-Moriles this higher level of alcohol is reached naturally during fermentation as the Pedro Ximenez grape ripens to a higher level of sugars than Palomino. The cap of flor only forms in the very particular climate of the southwest of Andalucia; humidity is a fundamental factor, and the sherry casks are left open inside the bodega to promote flor growth. For the same reason the bodegas are not cellars but are instead at ground level. Flor is actually a form of yeast; it absorbs any remaining sugars in the wine while lowering volatile acidity and glycerine. At the same time it also increases aromatic esters and aldehydes that give sherry its characteristic aromas.
Each wine will become quite different according to their individual evolutions in the cask. Here the winemaker has many different classifications to choose from, deciding which will become the finest and most elegant wine. Those with an abundance of flor are destined to become "fino" sherries, but may become classified as amontillados instead, depending on their future aging. The casks which do not develop enough flor, or whose quality is otherwise insufficient, are used to make olorosos; they are fortified again up to 18% alcohol (flor can not survive at more than 17.5%) and are aged in separate casks.

SHERRY

Grape Varieties

The viticulture of Jerez is practically mono-varietal. 95% of the vines are of the Palomino grape variety, which was brought to the region by Yañez Palomino, a knight in Alfonso X The Wise's court, after the conquest of Jerez in 1264 A.D.
The Pedro Ximenez grape was brought from Germany to the region by Pieter Siemens, a German soldier from the Flanders Regiment. Over time the name "Siemens" was corrupted into "Xímenez".
Finally there's the Moscatel grape, a variety common to both French (Muscat), and Spanish denominations.

SHERRY

The Soil

El Marco's soil is a chalky composition of earth know as "albariza" (alba means white in Latin). This is a white organic marl, formed by sediments of an inland sea that covered the area in the Oligocene era.
Albariza soil is rich in organic remains (shells, sea urchins, starfish ..) which explains its great fertility. It also has a great capacity to retain moisture, storing the winter rainfall to sustain the vines during the long dry season.
The Jerez growers plant their vines on low ridges of albariza, facing southwest.

SHERRY

The Climate

El Marco's climate is southern one, with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature is 17.5º C (63.5º F), although in July and August the vine endures temperatures well above 40º C (104º F!). The southwest wind off the Altantic brings the vines the right amount of moisture, especially during the summer at dawn.
The annual average rainfall is 600 liters/square meter (23.64"). These are just the right conditions for the vines to thrive, and for the grapes to ripen easily.

SHERRY

Sherry Wine Information


Jerez is locateded, in Andalucia, southwest Spain. Sherry, at the time a simple red wine, was started by the Phoenicians here around 1100 BC, and the practice was continued by the Romans. The Arabs invaded in 711, renaming the town here 'Sherish'. This became 'Jerez'. And so a tradition was born.
The Region
The cradle of Sherry is a region roughly triangular in shape, with vertices at Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
The region, locally known as "el Marco", is limited on the north by the river Guadalquivir, to the south by the river Guadalete, to the east by longitude 6º5' West, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
El Marco covers contains some 11,250 hectares (27,800 acres) of vineyards.

SHERRY

The History

It was the Roman historian Avienus who first wrote about the wines of Jerez and stated that there were already vines in the region in the fifth century B.C. He said that it was the Phoenicians who, around the year 1,100 B.C. introduced the first vines fron the land of Caanan into the region.
In the year 138 B.C. the region was conquered by Escipion Emiliano, from that date on, and for 500 years, there were wine exports to Rome with an annual average of some 8 million liters, an extrordinary amount for that time. Recent excavations have shown that the Monte Testaccio in Rome is nothing but an immense pile of amphorae that contained either Sherry or olive oil from the region, each with its corresponding identity seal.
The Arabs settled in Jerez from 711 until 1264 A.D. They renamed the town Sherish, hence the english word Sherry by which the British, who have been buying "Jerez" ever since the XIth century know these wines.
In 1264 A.D. King Alfonso X conquered the town. The Wise King, as he was called had his own vineyards that he like to cultivate himself. At the end of the XVIIth century, the first foreign investments took place in the area of Sherry production. English, Scottish, Irish, French and Dutch investors established their own bodegas, thus emphasizing the international reputation of our wines.