Producers from Spain - Jerez .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Vinicola Hidalgo - SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA Founded in 1792 by Don José Pantaléon Hidalgo, this is one of the oldest sherry companies and today, is run by Javier Hidalgo from the original premises in the centre of Sanlucar de Barrameda, situated at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. Vinicola Hidalgo is one of only a handful of bodegas that remains independent and totally family controlled and our initial tasting of their sherries was a real eye-opener. Theirs are real sherries made from old soleras and are the product of a 'artisan-craftsman' ethos, with all the grapes sourced from their own vineyards situated on 'albariza' soils in Balbaina and Miraflores, two of the very best Jerez DOC's. Wine-making is very traditional and all the Hidalgo sherries are matured in American-oak 'botas', something which is becoming rarer and rarer. Javier also claims to be the oldest jockey in Spain who is still racing. click here to view the wines from this producer ..................................................................................................................................................................