Manzanilla
Definition - What does Manzanilla mean?
Manzanilla is a style of Sherry (Jerez) made in Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Andalusia, Spain. It is produced using the same methods as Fino Sherry, and is a dry, pale wine. It is also known for having salty characteristics. This is because it is produced on the sea estuary from the Gualalquivir River. This is also where the signature flor yeast is found which "caps" the top of the wine while it rests and ages in barrels.
WineFrog explains Manzanilla
Manzanilla is made with Palomino grapes and biologically aged via the flor yeast. The layer of this yeast which is found atop all the Sherry made in Andalusia, protects the wine from air contact. This makes for a lighter variety of Sherry compared to Fino.
It is also produced and aged in a solera system, as is Fino, but for Manzanilla, there are more scales (levels of the solera system).
There are two classifications of Manzanilla:
- Manzanilla (sometimes called Manzanilla Fina): This is the traditional Sherry and it is bottled every 3 to 5 years with a minimum of 2 years of maturation.
- Manzanilla Pasada: This is a richer style and older. As it ages, usually up to 6 or 7 years, the flor fades, making it more robust.
