La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry

La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry, Spain, 75cl

Grape: 100% Palomino Fino, 0g/L residual sugar (bone dry)

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Delicate lemon rind with yeasty saline notes and hints of almonds. Well characterised, quite intense with a smooth finish."

90/100 points, DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS, 2022

"Dry fortified white wine made exclusively from Palomino Fino grapes, grown in Sanlúcar de Barrameda (a fundamental condition for being called Manzanilla), aged (under the veil of flor) in the solera system for between 5 and 6 years. Always consistent, this is a true classic among Jerez wines, with its pulsating acidity and firm, creamy texture enveloping its ripe citrus and white fruits accompanied by typical saline, herbal and dried fruit notes, which appear both on the nose and in the mouth. Dry and refined, it will be difficult to stay after the first glass, preferably accompanied by green olives."

92/100 points, REVISTA ADEGA (Brazil), September 2023

La Manzanilla is a dry wine and the lightest and most delicate member of the Sherry region and can only be made in the coastal town of Sanlacar de Barrameda set at the mouth of the River Guadalquivir. The position of the town, set between the sea and the river and the marshlands to the north, combines with the particular topography of the town itself to create an especially humid and constant microclimate.

These conditions allow a special growth of yeast, known as the 'flor', to grow on the surface of the maturing wine all your round thus protecting it from the detrimental effects of oxygen. Elsewhere in the Sherry district, the flor dies off in the summer and winter months to form the Fino sherry instead. Due to the uniqueness of this wine Manzanilla has its own 'Denominacion de Origen' Manzanilla -Sanlacar de Barrameda, set within the Sherry Denomination.

Hidalgo's Manzanilla is sold under the name of 'la Gitana' and carries a label depicting the 'gitana' (gypsy girl) which was originally painted for the firm by Joaquan Turina, father of the famous composer of the same name. Today, 'La Gitana' is the most popular Manzanilla on the Spanish market and is now the best selling wine in Seville.

This is the classic example of this unique wine and the flagship of their company. Its fresh and delicate taste has made it the favourite of Seville, the heart of traditional Andalucia where they drink it chilled, with a meal or with tapas or simply as a delicious wine.