The Designation of Origin “Jerez Xérès Sherry” is without question one of the best known and relevant in Spain. The Production Area covers 7,000 hectares and the wines produced there are the Sherry and the Manzanilla. Over the years, the province of Cadiz has established itself as one of the most famous wine regions in Spain. Its impressive wineries and vineyards have become a tourist attraction for lovers of this delicacy for the senses. Are you ready to enjoy wine tourism in the province of Cadiz?
Preparation
The Production Area of these wines covers 8 municipalities in the province, being Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlucar de Barrameda their Aging Area. It is in these cities where aging cellars can be found. For Manzanilla, the aging takes place exclusively in Sanlucar de Barrameda. Palomino, Pedro Ximénez and Muscatel are the three grape varieties, native to the province, with which the Designation of Origin wines are made. They grow in vineyards and benefit from the good weather and the whitish soil.
Types of wines
Sherry wines can be classified in 3 main groups: Dry Sherry Wine, Sweet Sherry Wine and Naturally Sweet Sherry Wine. Dry Sherry Wine are dry wines, with little residual sugar and in which the grape juice made with palomino grape is fully fermented. The Fino wine, the Manzanilla, the Oloroso, the Amontillado and the Palo Cortado are Dry Sherry Wines. The Sweet Sherry Wines are made from the combination of Dry Sherry Wines with Sweet Sherry Wines. From this combination the Pale Cream, Medium and Cream appear. Finally, within the Naturally Sweet Sherry we can find the Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez. These wines are only partially fermented in order to maintain their original sweetness.
Wine pairing and tasting
The best way to enjoy a Sherry wine is to combine it with the most traditional recipes and tapas of the province. Each wine of this Designation has a series of dishes and products with which can be paired, getting to enhance the flavors of both wine and food. For example, the fino wine pairs perfectly with cold meats such as the iberian loin or the Serrano ham. The Amontillado wine is excellent for mushrooms and vegetables, and the Oloroso wine for cured cheeses and stews such as the menudo or oxtail. There are endless combinations and pairings to obtain the most delicious experience. To learn how to pair and, distinguish and appreciate the flavor of each wine, you can also go to a wine tasting. In cities like Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda or El Puerto de Santa María wine tastings are really common, both in the wineries and in different bars and restaurants. There you will be able to learn first-hand about all the virtues of Jerez Xérès Sherry.
Wineries and vineyards
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to immerse in the fascinating world of Sherry wine is to visit the wineries and vineyards in the province. This way, you will be able to see and learn up close the preparation and aging process of these wines, make your debut in the world of tastings and pairings and an endless stream of possibilities that these wineries and farmhouses offer you. You can even stay there, if you want! In addition, in many of the wineries and vineyards you will have the opportunity to go on guided visits with the authentic Sherry masters. They will give you a really easy-to-follow and pleasant explanation. Be sure to visit these impressive wine museums, where you will get to understand why the Sherry is one of the best wines in the world.
Charming places to eat
If you visit Jerez de la Frontera, you have to visit the well-known tabancos. Former wine shops where you will get to experience the tradition and history of the city and its wines, always paired with the most typical tapas and dishes of the city.
In addition, throughout the province you will find Sherry and Manzanilla specialized bars and restaurants with the best traditional tapas and dishes.
Accommodation
The wine tourism in the province of Cadiz is without question the perfect excuse to escape a few days to any of our incredible cities and learn about the history of Sherry, as well as the cities where it is produced. Because of its popularity, all these cities have various accommodations where to enjoy first-hand all the charm and tradition of the province of Cadiz. What are you waiting for? Come to enjoy wine tourism in the province of Cadiz, one of the most historical places in the world.