Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Herederos de Argueso San Leon Manzanilla

I was out at lunch last week and ordered a glass of Manzanilla to kick things off.  One of the guys said "I'll have one too".  I was quite surprised, so I said "you know I just ordered Sherry?" "Oh, I thought you ordered a refreshing white wine" was his reply.  And he was right.  At 15% Manzanilla is about the same as a glass of chardonnay these days, and is the ultimate refresher in these days of climate change.

San Leon is new in town, adding to what seems to be a growing list of Manzanilla available in Australia.  Like most sherry houses, Herederos de Argueso has been around since the dawn of time and produces the full range of wines.  It is one of the leading manzanillas in the UK actually.

Very pale, almost colourless. Classic nose, salt spray, chamomile, roasted nuts and flor.  Refreshing and highly drinkable.  This is not a simple sherry, the palate is complex, but subtle.  More nuts, light sea salt and tangy apple. There is also a mealy character that I find very interesting.  You will need to order a couple of these, it goes all too quickly.  92 Pts.

Source:  Toro/Woods Wines Price: Around $18 (375ml) Closure: Screwcap

Web:  www.argueso.es