Hidalgo - La Gitana Manzanilla
Classic Example
Producer Information
Key Information
- BrandHidalgo
- StyleManzanilla
Grape Information
- 100%Palomino Fino
Other Information
- ABV15%
- AppellationJerez
- Grape TypePalomino Fino
- RegionJerez
- SweetnessDry
Limited stock.
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.
3 cocktails with Hidalgo - La Gitana Manzanilla
9 from Bodegas Hidalgo
I found this Sherry in Oz Clarke\'s wine guide 2007. He raved about it, and said it was his favourite fortified wine. Because it\'s produced right on the coast in South West Spain it picks up a definite salty tang that\'s very refreshing, and not too heavy. Light in colour, it has a wonderfully dry and salty edge that\'s perfect as an aperitif or, as I do, drink it with Tapas.
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