The standard of type and leader both in Spain and abroad. Manzanilla is the rarest of all authentic sherries, being uniquely site-specific in origin. Matured beneath a constant veil of yeast (called flor) as only occurs on the beachfront in Sanlúcar, giving manzanilla a dry, haunting delicacy analogous to fine Champagne.

Rating

Wine Spectator 90 points (Oct 31 2005) Densely packed on the nose, with currants, flowers, mineral and oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with spicy dried fruit flavors, firm tannins and a long, minerally finish. One of the best values in outstanding wines from Italy. Best after 2006. —J.S.  Wine Spectator 90 points (Oct 31 2005) Densely packed on the nose, with currants, flowers, mineral and oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with spicy dried fruit flavors, firm tannins and a long, minerally finish. One of the best values in outstanding wines from Italy. Best after 2006. —J.S.

Other text

Founded in 1792, Bodegas Hidalgo is one of the greatest bastions of tradition in the sherry industry, and among very few remaining estate-bottled exporters. With vineyards in the fabulous seaside pagos of El Cuadrado and Miraflores and aging cellars on the beach in Sanlúcar, the quintessential flor-aged style is the specialty, known as Manzanilla. From Manzanilla a range of rare Amontillado and Palo Cortado wines are derived of exquisite quality.