Andalucia (Sherry)

Question 1

What is the famous DO of Andalucia?

Answer 1

Jerez-Xerez-Sherry DO

Question 2

What are characteristics of Jerez-Xerez-Sherry DO?

Answer 2

• the best vineyards have albariza soil
• soil is very chalky with high calcium content
• white soil made from marine sedinet
• poor in organic material and nitrogen

Question 3

What are the authorized grapes of Jerez-Xerez-Sherry DO?

Answer 3

Palomino Fino

Pedro Jimenez

Question 4

What are the principles for making Sherry?

Answer 4

• base wines - it starts with a white wine with something unique -the flor
• fortification levels determine biological or oxidative aging
• special containers (botas) in special buildings (bodegas)
• minimum ageing period of 3 years
• the solera - a never ending aging system

Question 5

What is the difference between biological ageing and oxidative ageing?

Answer 5

• fortification levels determine biological or oxidative aging:
• with biological aging the flor protects the wine from oxidation, at 15% alcohol the wine is able to keep the flor
• with oxidative ageing the flor dies at 17% alcohol, and exposes the wine to oxidation

Question 6

How long must wine be in the solera before bottling?

Answer 6

three years

Question 7

What are the styles of sherry?

Answer 7

Dry styles: fino, amontillado, oloroso

Naturally sweet styles: pedro ximenez, muscat