Major PDO Wine Regions in Andalucia
Several important Denominacion de Origen Protegida (PDO) wine regions operate in Andalucia.
Jerez-Xeres-Sherry PDO
The most famous appellation in the region, producing Sherry wines such as Fino, Manzanilla,
Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximenez.
Manzanilla-Sanlucar de Barrameda PDO
A specialized Sherry-style wine produced in the coastal town of Sanlucar de Barrameda, known for its
lighter and more delicate character influenced by Atlantic breezes.
Montilla-Moriles PDO
Located in the province of Cordoba, producing fortified wines similar to Sherry but often made from the
Pedro Ximenez grape rather than Palomino.
Condado de Huelva PDO
An Atlantic-influenced region producing both dry and fortified wines as well as traditional vinegars.
Malaga PDO
Known historically for sweet fortified wines made from Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez grapes.
Sierras de Malaga PDO
Produces mainly modern dry red, white, and rose wines from both Spanish and international grape
varieties.
Grape Varieties
Several grape varieties are important in Andalucia:
Palomino Fino
The primary grape used in Sherry production.
Pedro Ximenez
Used for intensely sweet fortified wines and also grown in Montilla-Moriles.
Moscatel (Muscat of Alexandria)
Produces aromatic sweet wines in Malaga and coastal vineyards.
Other varieties such as Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay are increasingly
planted in the Sierras de Malaga region.
Wine Styles
Andalucia produces a wide range of wine styles including:
- Fortified wines (Sherry, Pedro Ximenez)
- Sweet dessert wines
- Dry white wines
- Modern red and rose wines
The region is best known globally for its oxidative and biologically aged wines, particularly those aged
under flor yeast in the traditional solera system used for Sherry.
Climate and Geography
Andalucia's wine regions benefit from several natural influences:
- intense sunlight and long growing seasons
- cooling Atlantic winds known as Poniente
- limestone-rich albariza soils
- coastal humidity that supports flor yeast development
These factors create conditions uniquely suited to fortified wine production.
