Sherry, its history, interesting facts and an irresistible experience

The wines from Jerez de la Frontera have more than 3000 years of history. It has been exported since Roman times and is now definitely the most exported wine in Spain, being present in over 50 countries. The key to success? Without a doubt, it has a huge variety, suitable for different types of palates and exceptional quality that has been perfected over thousands of years with unique preservation and aging systems.

Thanks to these and other reasons, in 2014, Jerez have been nominated as the European City of Wine. Another award that recognises the know-how of a land of wine and that has inspired us to suggest, as you would expect, a unique experience in the heart of Jerez, in one of the most traditional and best preserved bodegas in the city: bodegas Diez Mérito.

These bodegas are located in a special place. During the visit we will tour its courtyards, gardens and rooms, which date back to 1730, no less, and we will explore the history of the production and aging of the Jerez wines and brandies.

Flavours of wines that go with anything!

When we say "sherry”, we are not just referring to one type of wine. In Jerez there are numerous wines. Fino, which is the classic aperifit, and goes perfectly with fish and seafood, with a powerful flower flavour. Then there's amontillado, a wine that has been kept for some time under the famous "velo de flor” layer of yeast and is probably the wine least known by consumers but it is perfect to accompany rice, rissotos, cheeses and pates. It has a very strong taste of almonds and wood.

Another of the Jerez wines is oloroso, which is characterised by having only oxidative aging and goes very well with all kinds of meats and cheeses from La Mancha.

And of course, Pedro Ximenez, a dessert wine that combines perfectly with blue cheeses, vanilla ice cream, etc.

Interesting facts that will leave you amazed!

If we told you that Megallanic managed to reach America thanks to sherry, what would you say? Water was previously a very large source of bacteria, which was a huge problem on a boat, so Megallanic took more litres of sherry than weapons.

There are many interestnig facts surrounding the world of sherry that many people do not know but can learn during visits such as this one. In cases such as the well-known Pedro Ximenez, many people do not know that it was introduced by a German soldier. His name was Peter Siemens, hence the name of the wine.

Another curious fact is that of Candié, a wine which owes its name to a long tradition in Jerez where children with little appetite where given a Candié and what many people do not know is that the name Candié comes from "Candy" and "Egg". I'm sure you're wondering what this is all about. Simple. Children who had no appetite were given a sweet wine with an egg yolk, which gave way to the name Candié. A curious fact, isn't it?

¡Sherry Cooking class! are you coming?

If a visit to a bodega seems interesting at this point, between the facts, the tastings of the huge variety of wines or simply touring the wineries like this one, glass in hand, then you'll love ending the morning in one of the best restaurants in Jerez to watch a spectacular show cooking of local dishes, marinated in sherries, by one of the best chefs in Andalusia.

This experience, called "Sherry Cooking Class”, is undoubtedly the best way to discover the best local cuisine and we have dedicated a special article which we invite you to share with us. We guarantee that you'll be left open mouthed at the ease and mastery with which the plates are prepared as your mouth waters with dishes such as sautéed artichokes with prawns, Salmon tartar with avocado and some spectacular quail breasts stuffed with rose petals and foie.

A wine that is unique throughout the whole world

In other parts of the world we can try all kinds of different red and white wines. In Europe, America, Australia but there's only one wine that is so unique that you know it is from Jerez after just one sip.

Wine is part of the identity of our land, cuisine and culture. That's why visits and experiences like this are so important, to make sure that people know how important sherry drinking has been in Andalusia throughout history.