Sherry tasting in Cartajima and Jerez

It is strange but true that the category “sherry” does not exist in Spain. The wines referred to by the word are called vinos de Jerez, the wines of the Jerez region in the west of Andalucia. Ask for a sherry in a bar and it is likely they will give you a blank stare. Had you asked for a vino de Jerez, they would then enquire which one – a fino, an oloroso, an amontilado perhaps?

Sherry is an English corruption of the name Jerez, a town with an abundance of sherry bodegas just waiting for your visit. 

Britain has a long association with the south western part of Andalucia both for mineral mining and then for sherry. They left their mark on the city’s culture in the “señoritos” or toffs who it is said aped the British aristocracy who ventured this far south. 

Sherry tasting in Cartajima and Jerez is one treat you must indulge in when staying with us.

Jerez is bursting with sherry bodegas. You will be spoiled for choice. Best to reserve for a tour which vary in price but not expensive. Some offer lunch. Some have little mice that flourish on the wine! The Turismo Jerez site has the most complete information and if you have specific questions that we can research for you before your bodega visit in Jerez, just ask. 

• Neither the word “sherry” nor the category exists in Spanish although more and more Spanish people have acquired the word to refer to the “vinos de Jerez,” the wines from the area around Jerez.
• These wines have no vintage as they are made by the solera  method which ages wine by fractional blending so that the end product is a mixture of the ages. The average age will increase as the years go by.
• Most sherries are based on the Palomino Fino white grape.
• At Los Castaños we offer a complete range of sherries from the driest fino served cold from the fridge to the sweetest made from the Pedro Ximenez grape which makes a great dessert wine. Guests frequently start at the dry end and finish up at the sweet end!!
• In Andalucia, a fino or amontillado is considered the perfect pairing with appetisers such as cheese, boquerones, even Gazpacho.
• The town of origin, Jerez, is a lovely day trip away from Cartajima and there are many bodegas to visit, some with names that you will know such as Tio Pepe and Sandeman. 
• While in Jerez, either before or after sampling several sherries, try to visit the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre.and its dancing horses. Even if you aren’t into horses, it is impressive.