Andalusia

The wines of Andalusia


Vineyards of Andalusia


Wine Map of Andalusia DO appellations: https://vineyards.com/wine-map/spain/andalusia

Wine Map of Andalusia IGP/PGI : https://vineyards.com/wine-map/spain/andalusia/andalusia-igp

The cultivation of vines in Andalusia dates from many centuries ago and the region is well known for the production of respected wines which are recognized all over the world. Wine in Andalusia means “fortified wine”, sherry being the most popular.

The climate, the topography and the geology of Andalusia are all ideal for the cultivation of vines. The Mediterranean climate with its mild temperatures, the long hours of sunshine in combination with the altitude, create wines of exceptional quality, with a wide variety of characteristics and types.

There are over 40.000 Hectares of vineyards in Andalusia, most of them belonging to one of these six Appellations or Denominations of Origin: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (1933), Condado de Huelva (1933), Málaga (1933), Manzanilla de Sanlúcar (1964), Montilla-Moriles (1985), and Sierras de Málaga (2001).


Andalusia Bodega


The DO, Denominación de Origen, appellations in ANDALUSIA


Andalusia, located in southern Spain, is a diverse wine region known for its sherry production as well as a range of still wines. Here's a summary of the main appellations in Andalusia along with their main grape varieties, terroir characteristics, and wine descriptors:

  1. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda:

    • Main Grape Varieties: Palomino (for dry sherry), Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel (for sweet sherry)
    • Terroir: The region is characterized by chalky, albariza soils. The climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, providing the unique conditions for the development of flor yeast (for biologically aged sherries).
    • Wine Descriptors:
      • Fino and Manzanilla (biologically aged sherries): Dry, crisp, with notes of almonds and a distinctive saline character.
      • Amontillado (oxidatively aged sherries): Nutty, complex, with a balance of richness and freshness.
      • Oloroso (fully oxidized sherries): Full-bodied, rich, with pronounced nut and caramel notes.
      • Pedro Ximénez (sweet sherries): Intensely sweet, with flavors of raisins, figs, and molasses.

  2. Montilla-Moriles:

    • Main Grape Varieties: Pedro Ximénez (PX), Moscatel
    • Terroir: Similar to Jerez with albariza soils but also includes other soil types. Hotter and drier climate compared to Jerez.
    • Wine Descriptors:
      • Pedro Ximénez (PX): Sweet, rich, with concentrated flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and molasses.
      • Fino and Amontillado: Dry styles with nutty and oxidative characteristics.
      • Moscatel: Sweet wines with floral and orange blossom aromas, often with a slight bitterness.

  3. Sierras de Málaga:

    • Main Grape Varieties: Moscatel, Pedro Ximénez, Muscat of Alexandria, Romé, Garnacha, among others.
    • Terroir: Mountainous terrain with diverse microclimates. Soils range from slate to limestone.
    • Wine Descriptors:
      • White Wines: Aromatic, floral, with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Some dry and others off-dry.
      • Red Wines: Varying styles from light and fruity to more structured, with red fruit and herbal characteristics.

  4. Condado de Huelva:

    • Main Grape Varieties: Zalema, Pedro Ximénez, Palomino, Muscat of Alexandria
    • Terroir: Coastal region with sandy soils. Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
    • Wine Descriptors:
      • White Wines: Light, fresh, with citrus and floral notes.
      • Pedro Ximénez: Sweet, with rich, dried fruit flavors.

Andalusia's diverse terroirs and grape varieties contribute to a wide range of wines, from the iconic sherries to still wines that showcase the region's versatility and winemaking traditions.

Andalusia Vineyard