Much has been said about what the difference between Manzanilla and Fino wine; since in a blind tasting it is very difficult to identify them, especially if you are a beginner. And it is not for less, both are made in the same way and have a very, very similar taste. Although it is said that Chamomile usually has a saltier touch. What is true about it? In this post you will discover the truth.
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Know the difference between Manzanilla and Fino Wine
Both the Chamomile as the Fine are white wines made from Palomino Fino, a typical grape of the Jerez region in Andalusia. After fermenting in dry conditions, these light and acidic white wines are enhanced with alcohol to achieve a brand of 15% vol.
Subsequently, they are placed in wooden barrels as part of a screeding process to begin aging. Of course, barrels do not fill up completely. So a layer of yeast develops on the surface of the wines known as the flower veil.
What is the purpose of this layer? Well, prevent the excessive oxidation of the wines to obtain a delicate aromatic profile characteristic of these drinks with notes of green apple, walnut, fennel and curry. On the other hand, full-bodied wines are intended to produce an oxidative style such as Oloroso, for example.
So far there is nothing distinguished in the elaboration process, but there is a difference between Chamomile and Fino Wine; chamomile must be produced and matured within the coastal region of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, closer to the sea. In fact bira that comes from the ocean is said to contribute to the particularly salty taste of Chamomile.. Is this true? Yes and no. Here's why.
Better conditions for the maturation of Chamomile
Thanks to its coastal location, the wineries that produce Manzanilla wine in Sanlúcar benefit from cooler and wetter temperatures. That those wineries located inland in the surroundings of Jerez de la Frontera, a town that is considered the cradle of the production of Jerez.
Chamomile goes through fewer temperature variations, since the sea and its breezes assume the role of protective agents that take care of the wine from the strong heat in summer and from the frigid nights in winter.
The difference between Manzanilla and Fino wine resides in the conditions of the climate where they are made. In the case of Chamomile, temperatures are more stable causing the flower veil to become thicker on the surface of the wine, providing greater protection.
Of course, it is said that chamomile ripening is slower and has less impact on wine flavors, since the result is a slightly finer expression.
Usually, Chamomile is attributed notes that evoke the coastal environment where it is produced as salt, sea fog, including iodine. So there is a salty touch in this wine. But what about fino? There are those who perceive a slight salty touch in them.
Manzanilla wine vs Fine wine
As you know, the main one difference between Manzanilla and Fino wine it is the winemaking process and ripening conditions and not at the origin of the grapes. Evidently there are slight differentiating elements that are supported and considered locally such as the fresh sea breezes to which the coastal vineyards are exposed and the rays of the Andalusian summer sun of the inland vineyards.
However, sherry wine producers also often use grapes from coastal vineyards for the production of Fino wine. Therefore, the grapes used for this drink are not very different from those of Manzanilla and sometimes you can appreciate a slight salty touch in this drink.
In short, the wineries located in Sanlúcar de Barrameda normally work with grapes obtained from 100% coastal producers, so they may end up with a more coastal combination than most Bodegas de Jerez.
Winemaking is the key difference
In the end, in the technique of individual winemaking and the cava conditions of each winery lies the difference between Manzanilla and Fino wine, because these factors are what impart style to both Fino and Manzanilla
Chamomile producers will always opt for a lighter and purer style because it is expected of this type of wine, they also take advantage of the fresh conditions of the winery and the supply of coastal vineyards to stand out in this style.
But, as mentioned in the previous section, the wineries of Jerez that elaborate Fino also tend to bet on coastal vineyards and a saline connotation pure with some of her Fino. For this reason, the real one difference between Manzanilla and Fino wine it will always come down to the style of each individual brand.
Each of these factors explains why it is so difficult to differentiate between Fino and Manzanilla., especially in a tasting. There really is no absolute difference in the final expression of the wines for our senses of smell and taste, given that many times it depends on the vineyard used by the producers of each brand.