Sherry General Knowledge Flashcards
Where is Sherry produced?
In the area around Jerez in Andalusia, Spain.
How old is grape growing and wine production in Jerez?
Ancient, dating back to Phoenician times (1100 BCE to 200 BCE)
Describe the history of Sherry production from the 8th to 13th centuries.
Under Moorish rule, the consumption of Sherry was prohibited in Jerez. Nonetheless, grape production and winemaking did not stop.
What happened in the 13th century to boost the profile of Sherry?
Christians took control of the region, leading to trade and investment from the English, Irish, and Flemish who would ship the wines.
What factors facilitated the spread of Sherry throughout the world during the age of sail?
Free trade agreements Spain negotiated with England and France
The European discovery of the Americas by Columbus, who was based in Andalusia
What is the Consejo Regulador? When and why was it founded?
Spain’s first wine related regulatory council. It was founded in 1933 to control Sherry production and trading during a period of increased Sherry popularity and international knock offs.
Describe the trajectory of Sherry sales in the 20th century.
There was heightened popularity in the start of the 20th century that fell during WWII. Sales picked up and peaked in the 1970s, but then halved in the following decade.
How much Sherry was produced during its height? When was this?
1.5 million hl in 1979
What influence did the “boom” and “bust” periods have on Sherry quality and availability?
A vast amount of lower quality Sherry was produced to meet increased demand. When interest waned, there was a surplus of inexpensive, low quality Sherry.
What is Rumasa and what is its legacy?
Ruiz Mateos S.A. was a Spanish Sherry producer that rose to prominence by providing Harvey and Bristol with a bulk of its Bristol Sherry. The firm consolidated Sherry producers and expanded into other sectors, becoming a massive corporate entity. After dominating Sherry production through the 1970s and driving down prices on it, the government nationalized Rumasa in 1983 for failure to pay taxes. The Sherry bodegas were sold and a weak marketplace for the product led to significant unemployment.
What has been the goal of the Sherry Consejo Regulador in the modern age?
To return vineyard area, wine volume, and sales to a balanced level.
