A distinguished origin for a unique wine
Sherry, a wine which is truly unique in the world, is exclusively produced in the wine-growing region of Jerez, which is situated in a triangle of land formed by the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. Its Production Zone takes in the municipal boundaries of Jerez, El Puerto, Sanlúcar, Chiclana, Chipiona, Puerto Real, Rota, Trebuejena and Lebrija.
The region´s oenological tradition goes back over more than 3,000 years and it has developed its own distinctive and exclusive elaboration method. Its unique climatic conditions are ideal for the cultivation of three varieties of grape: the Palomino, which is used to produce the drier types of Sherry, and the Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel, which are used for the sweeter varieties.
The Sherry Triangle
THE JEREZ REGION
Jerez de la Frontera is the largest city in the area and capital of the wine region to which it lends its name. Located on one of the many foothills between the mountains and shining coastal villages, Jerez is a dynamic place that the tradition of sherry wines shares with other other age-old symbols of the city, like flamenco and horse breeding. A modern city with a population of 200,000 and also proud of its wine-growing heritage, the city plays an essential role in every aspect of life here; both cultural and architecturally.
Just a few miles from Jerez, where the River Guadalete flows into the Bay of Cádiz, El Puerto de Santa María stands as a historic port town. Part wine producer and part fishing port, it is now a first-class tourist resort thanks to its stellar beaches and its perfect location right in the heart of the Bay.
Further to the north, Sanlúcar de Barrameda stands opposite the impressive Coto Doñana reserve at the mouth of the symbolic Guadalquivir river. It is a city of noble lineage and origin of Manzanilla, a wine of special characteristics fruit thanks to this site's proximity to the sea and which reaches the summit of excellence when accompanied by the wonderful local dishes.
Decoding the Label
XERES, SHERRY AND MANZANILLA
All Sherry labels must include a series of required details in order to comply with the norms laid down by the Denomination of Origin. However, labels can also include others words or decorations that sometimes lead to confusion.
The compulsory elements are:
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the type of wine
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the name of the sherry firm which has produced it or bottling code
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the content of the bottle and its alcoholic strength.
Any other additional information, such as the brand name or description of the product, appears at the discretion of the Sherry firm concerned. The name and address of the Sherry firm may also be replaced by a bottling code.
The back label also must include the Denomination of Origin seal and a number assigned by the Consejo Regulador, unique to each bottle. This acts as definitive proof that the Sherry or Manzanilla comply with all the regulations on production, ageing and bottling of all wines bearing the Denomination of Origin name.