In Andalusia we are very lucky, given there are many different wines to choose from, varying from area to area. Historically, wine has been produced in Andalusia since Roman times, and after the 17th and 18th century, they became very famous thanks to the maritime trade.
The wines we know now are divided into different categories, classified and in compliance with EU laws, depending on the strictness of its rules and procedures.
Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) in Andalusia
The most known Andalusian wines are Denominación de Origen Protegida – it is the highest qualification, ruled by a regulatory board that controls the boundaries of the region, the permitted varietals, the alcoholic strength and the standards of production. These wines are:
- Condado de Huelva: Huelva was the first area in Spain where wine was produced and wines from Huelva were taken by Columbus on its expedition and discovery of the American continent. After a period of abandonment, partially because of the phylloxera, the Condado de Huelva wines have regained popularity. Amongst its most known wines, the white wine from Zalema grapes.
- Jerez: probably one of the most known Andalusian wines. Jerez, also known as Sherry, is a fortified wine made from white grapes, mainly Palomino. Sherry has been produced for over three thousand years and is aged in American oak barrels. We can find different types of Sherry, depending on how they have been aged or percentage of alcohol – Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso or Palo Cortado.
- Malaga wine: is a sweet fortified wine made from Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel grapes. It has been produced at the region since the Greek times and is mainly used as a dessert wine.
- Manzanilla – Sanlúcar de Barrameda: it is a variety of Sherry wine, considered independent since 1964. It can only be considered Manzanilla if produced in the area. The main difference with Sherry is its flavour, more delicate, thanks to the high humidity from the Atlantic Ocean. It is aged for 5 years.
- Montilla – Moriles: another variety of sweet dessert wine, produced in the area for thousands of years. The varieties are similar to Sherry wine – Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez. The main difference is that Montilla – Moriles wines are not fortified.
- Sierras de Malaga: it was created in 2001 and we can find white, red and rosé wine with a percentage of alcohol of less than 15%. The Sierras de Malaga regulatory board also oversees the Malaga sweet wine, as well as the Malaga raisins, from the Moscatel variety and, like the wines, also protected. In this category, we find the Vinos de Ronda, produced in this area. Ronda was a wine hub, but the phylloxera damaged all the vineyards. Only recently, wine is being produced again.
As you can see, there are wines to please everyone in Andalusia. All of these areas have many wine cellars and vineyards that you can visit. Wine tastings, wine pairings and masterclasses can also be organised, for a full experience.
If you are interested in wine or would like to organise a visit to a winery during your stay in Andalusia, do let us know. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary for you to discover the very best of Andalusian wines.
Meridional Events is your key partner for all Corporate and MICE events in Andalusia. Get in touch with us and we will organise your business meetings, incentive trips or golf breaks, in fantastic destinations such as Malaga, Seville, Marbella, Granada and the Costa del Sol.
The team at Meridional Events
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