This is arguably Spain's leading white wine region. The wines are made from grapes that are initially chilled, and then gas-blanketed throughout cold fermentation. Pressing is done very gently and the free-run must is mixed with some pressed wine. This produces light fresh wines, with green and tangy flavours.
The major grape is Verdejo, which is sometimes aged in oak for a more butter-and-toast flavour.
Winemakers also use Palomino grapes to produce the traditional Sherry-style wines - such as oxidised rancios and generosos, which are aged under a layer of natural yeast (flor).
 |
Location
Situated approximately 100 miles northwest of Madrid in Castilla
and León.
Grapes
- Red: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Melot
and Garnacha (Grenache)
- White: Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura
(Macabeo) and Palomino (Jerez)
Look Out For
- Generoso: A type of fortified wine,
uniquely Spanish, based on selected grape varieties and traditional
methods of biological
processing. Its alcohol content is no lower than 15% vol.
- Rancio:
Aged wine obtained through oxidation that is sometimes speeded
up by exposing the wine to the sun in large glass cylinders.
|
Favourites (IE)
Print This
Email This
