Jerez
Definition - What does Jerez mean?
Jerez is the fortified wine made in the region of Andalusia, in southern Spain. It is a version of Sherry also locally called Xerés. The various style of these wines are made from the grapes of Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel and Palomino Fino. Once the blends of the wines are complete, they are aged in a special solera system.
WineFrog explains Jerez
Jerez is a special Sherry made in the protected Denominación de Origen (DO) Jerez-Xeres-Sherry in the region of Andalusia. In order for the wine to be designated under the name Jerez, it must be made within the triangular region of Cádiz between El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Jerez de la Frontera.
The wine is made into various styles according to the grapes used and how they are aged in the special solera system. Some wines are allowed to undergo a controlled oxidation thanks to the local wild yeast, flor, which forms a film atop the wine in the barrels which are only filled 3/4 full. Others are fortified to reach a 15.5 percent alcohol and then aged in the barrels along with the flor.
The styles of Jerez from the lightest in body and structure to the fullest body are:
- Fino
- Manzanilla
- Manzanilla Pasada
- Amontillado
- Oloroso
- Palo Cortado
- Jerez Dulce
- Cream
