Manzanilla (wine) facts for kids
| Wine region | |
Manzanilla – Sanlúcar de Barrameda DOP in the province of Cádiz in the region of Andalusia
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| Official name | D.O.P. Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda |
|---|---|
| Type | Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) |
| Year established | 1964 |
| Country | Spain |
| No. of vineyards | 6,989 hectares (17,270 acres) |
| No. of wineries | 12 for production of grapes, 23 for maturing of sherry |
| Wine produced | 384,350 hectolitres |
| Comments | Data for 2016 / 2017 for Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla S.B. DOPs |
Manzanilla is a special type of fortified wine from Spain. It is very similar to a wine called fino sherry. This unique wine is made only in the port town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, which is in the province of Cádiz, part of the Andalusia region.
The name "Manzanilla" comes from the Spanish word for "chamomile" (a type of flower). People say this wine gets its name because its smell reminds them of chamomile tea. It is a very pale and dry wine.
Contents
How Manzanilla Is Made
Manzanilla is made using the same methods as other fino sherries. It is known for its savory and slightly salty taste. Many believe this flavor comes from the chalky soil near the Guadalquivir river's mouth, close to the sea.
The town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda has cool temperatures and high humidity. These conditions are perfect for a special kind of yeast called flor. This flor yeast grows as a thick layer on top of the wine. This thick layer protects the wine from touching the air. This protection helps Manzanilla stay fresh and gives it a more delicate flavor compared to other fino wines made in nearby towns like Jerez.
Manzanilla usually ages for about three to five years. It ages in a special system called a solera. Some types of Manzanilla can be aged for even longer periods.
Special Manzanilla Types
Some Manzanilla wines are aged for a longer time.
- Manzanilla Pasada is aged for about seven years. During this time, the flor yeast layer starts to thin out.
- Manzanilla Amontillada can be aged for up to 12 years. It starts to take on some qualities of another wine called Amontillado.
Grapes Used for Manzanilla
Manzanilla is made from specific types of grapes. These are the same grapes used for Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DOP wines:
- White grapes: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, and Moscatel de Alejandría.
How to Enjoy Manzanilla
Manzanilla tastes best when it's served chilled. The ideal temperature is between 7–10 °C (45–50 °F). In Spain, people often drink it with small snacks called tapas. These snacks can include olives, almonds, Jamón serrano (a type of ham), or different kinds of seafood.
Manzanilla is also a popular ingredient in a cocktail called Rebujito.
Storing Manzanilla
If you open a bottle of Manzanilla, you can store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the bottle is corked tightly. It can stay good for up to one week after opening.
See also
In Spanish: Manzanilla (vino) para niños
