In a recent
interview with Decanter Magazine Consejo President, Beltrán Domecq, said that
producers need to explain more about the vineyards from which their wines come.
Consumers know something of the bodegas and solera systems, but need to know
more about the work in the vineyards. He believes that there is untapped
interest in the vineyards and their specific geological characteristics which
could be printed on more labels.
“50% of the
quality of a wine comes from the vineyard, and distinctions are very important.
We have the solera system, but why not say if the majority of this particular
Fino is from Añina, Carrascal or Macharnudo vineyards? It would help a lot.
Some bodegas are already doing this, particularly in Sanlúcar. The Consejo is
seeking to help producers by creating a central vineyard map as a reference
guide. We are writing to everyone who has a vineyard asking which area they
think they belong to.
Over the
past thirty years the land under vine in Jerez has declined from about 22,000
hectares to just 7,000, reflecting falling demand for Sherry, but at least
supply and demand are now back in balance. According to Beltrán Domecq the
growers who remain are better able to invest in vineyard management, and are
now receiving three or four times what they were before.
He also
spoke of his respect for the “en rama” wines as well as the Consejo plan to
promote Sherry and food pairings – as long as the proper glasses are used. “No
schooners, please, Sherry is a wine!” he declared.
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| Beltran Domecq at work in London (foto:+jerez) |
Sr. Domecq
is in London for the XXVI Wines of Spain Trade fair and he conducted a special
tasting on Wednesday for wine journalists. The Spanish specialist Master of
Wine, Sarah Jane Evans was there too. The ideas was to capitalise on media
interest in Sherry and hopefully thereby to transmit that to younger consumers.
A further special tasting took place at the wine fair in the form of a Sherry
and Food Matching Seminar with Beltrán Domecq and famous chef José Pizarro.
Happy
Andalucia Day!
The 28th
February is Andalucía Day, so be sure to raise a glass of Sherry to toast the
finest place in the world! The coat of arms on the flag represents the Pillars
of Hercules, and on the arch appear the words “Dominator Hércules Fundator”.
The colours represent the countryside, the villages, the purity and hope of
Andalucía.
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