Difference between a Sherry and a Montilla Moriles

The universe of fortified or fortified wines is more extensive than many people believe and it is precisely because it has different dimensions unknown to the public. What we have no doubt about is that once you fall in love with these wines, your love for them will be for life. They also tend to be made in Andalusia especially in the regions of Córdoba, where the D.O. Montilla Moriles is made, and in Cádiz, the D.O. Jerez.

We can say that Sherry and Montilla Moriles wine are family, but the fact that they have a "bond" does not mean that they are the same. There are elements that differentiate them, despite the fact that in both cases they are referred to. Types of wine, such as Amontillado, fine, oloroso, Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenez.

No wonder then that there is confusion about the difference between a Sherry and a Montilla Moriles. There are, however, some keys to understanding it and we will break them down in detail in this post.

Discover the difference between a Sherry and a Montilla Moriles

It is a fact, the wines of Montilla-Moriles and the wines of Jerez have many qualities in common, but for those who are experts in the field it is evident that Differences between the two wines. Let's see what they are:

Type of grape

To begin with, we must specify that the predominant grape in Jerez is the Palomino variety, while in Córdoba the The most used grape is Pedro Ximenez (PX). So the difference between a Sherry wine and a Montilla Moriles lies, above all, in that Sherry feels more fruity, so it is necessary to add alcohol when making the fine (what is known as heading).

The alcohol content of Montilla Moriles reaches around 15 degrees. Sherry, on the other hand, must be incorporated between 4 to 5 degrees of alcohol to achieve that level, since it is a variety that has less sugar.

The problem in Jerez is that it is necessary to add alcohol to reach 15 degrees. Otherwise it happens with a wine of Montilla Moriles because you must be very aware that they do not exceed the limit, due to the climatic conditions of the region.

Climate

Temperatures in Cordoba are more extreme, as during the day it is possible that reach 45 degrees and during the nights 28. In this region the summers are warmer, longer and drier, in fact, there are more than 2800 hours of sunshine.

Now, in Jerez the maximum temperatures do not exceed 41 degrees and the minimum 15 degrees, given to the breezes coming from the sea. This makes it more difficult for Sherry wines to achieve 15 degrees of alcohol.

Elaboration

The difference between a Sherry and a Montilla Moriles It also lies in the way they are made. Generally, the wines of Montilla Moriles pass through jars, faithful to the conventional method, being the basis of the great wines. In Jerez, on the other hand, the mechanism is made of sobretablas that is made with the wine of the year.

A long time ago, a boot that possessed an amount of wine alcohol was included must (white wine of the year). To the alcohol that, therefore, he carried inside, the necessary arrobas were incorporated.

Another curious fact is related to the terms used, given that while in the rest of Spain it is known as must, in Córdoba and Cádiz it is called white wine of the year freshly fermented.

Taste

Unheaded wines, such as those made in Montilla Moriles, achieve More fruity notes and a higher volume in the mouth by the PX variety. Sherry wine, on the other hand, is characterized by being longer in the mouth, in addition, saline tones are felt by its contact with the sea breezes.

Eye, in Jerez large fines are produced that are perceived more fruitful, but achieving it is much more complicated.

Commercial use

When talking about the difference between a Sherry and a Montilla Moriles It is also important to allude to your Commercial distinctions. If we analyze the history of both regions, Jerez had a more mercantilist and exporting culture, while in Montilla Moriles they chose to assume the role of warehousemen, selling the wine only in the locality and batches of wine to exporting wineries.

Perhaps these commercial traditions have led many experts to say that Montilla Moriles has always been in the shadow of Jerez. Of course, Sherry has greater international recognition and, therefore, is more famous, thanks to its commercial culture.

Conclusions

Talk about Fortified wines in Spain, means referring to Sherry wines and a Montilla Moriles, however, it is a reality that the general public does not know the differentiating aspects between the two. While the Quality of these types of wines, there are elements that distinguish them, so if you want to become a specialist it is important that you know these factors.

As you will see, the difference between a Sherry and a Montilla Moriles It lies not only in the type of grapes used, but also in their production methods, flavors and commercial use.