Andalusia beyond Jerez
Andalucía Beyond Jerez
1. Overview
Andalucía is famous for Sherry, but there are many other wine regions in the south of Spain that make completely different styles.
These include Montilla–Moriles, Málaga, Sierras de Málaga, Condado de Huelva, Cádiz, and Granada.
They produce sweet Moscatel and PX wines, fresh white wines, fruity reds, and even high-altitude mountain wines.
2. Climate & Soils
- Very sunny with hot summers
- Coastal areas near Cádiz and Huelva get cooling winds from the Atlantic
- Mountain areas like Granada are much cooler at night
- Soils range from white chalky soils (similar to Sherry), to slate, sand, and clay-limestone
This mix of heat, wind, and altitude creates many different styles of wine.
3. Key Regions & What They Make
Montilla–Moriles (Córdoba)
- Uses mostly Pedro Ximénez (PX)
- Makes Fino-style wines without adding alcohol
- Also famous for very sweet PX wines made by sun-drying grapes
Málaga & Sierras de Málaga
- Málaga: sweet Moscatel and PX wines
- Sierras de Málaga: modern dry whites and reds from mountain vineyards
- Some winemakers use amphora (tinaja) or natural methods
Condado de Huelva
- Main grape: Zalema
- Makes light, fresh whites, sweet Moscatel, and some flor-aged wines
Cádiz (Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz)
- Coastal region near Jerez
- Known for Tintilla de Rota (a fresh, spicy red)
- Also produces still Palomino whites with salty, seaside character
Granada / Sierra Nevada
- Vineyards very high up in the mountains
- Makes crisp, bright whites and fresh reds
- Many wineries use natural, low-intervention winemaking
4. Key Grapes
| Grape | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PX (Pedro Ximénez) | Sweet wines, some dry styles | Very raisiny and rich when sun-dried |
| Moscatel | Sweet and dry wines | Floral, fruity, aromatic |
| Palomino | Still whites | Light, mineral, salty |
| Zalema | Light whites | Simple, fresh |
| Tintilla de Rota | Reds | Fresh, spicy, lively |
| Vigiriega | Whites | Very crisp and high-acid |
5. Asoleo & Arrope — Two Traditional Techniques
Asoleo (sun-drying)
Grapes are laid on mats in the sun for several days to dry out and become very sweet.
Used for PX and Moscatel to make rich dessert wines.
Arrope (must reduction)
Fresh grape juice is slowly cooked until thick and dark.
A small amount is added to some Málaga sweet wines to give extra colour and caramel flavours.
6. Wines to Try
- Sweet PX from Montilla–Moriles
- Dry Moscatel from Málaga (Ariyanas)
- Tintilla de Rota reds from Cádiz
- Mountain whites from Granada
- Light flor-aged wines from Condado de Huelva
7. Summary
Andalucía beyond Jerez makes a wide range of wines, from rich sweet PX to fresh coastal whites and floral mountain wines.
Different climates and soils create many distinct styles.
It is an area full of tradition but also full of new, exciting winemaking ideas.
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