Ironically two of the top highlights of my tour of southern Spain occurred in the somewhat working-class town of Jerez de la Frontera – a town that might be passed over by some, considering all the other great cities on Spain one could visit.

The morning after the two nights of breathtaking flamenco performances at the Festival de Jerez, we made our way to the Sánchez-Romate Bodega (winery), before heading out of town and on to our next city, for a private tour.

Jerez is a city world famous for its Sherry (the word sherry itself is a derivation of Jerez). This particular winery has a long history in the storied region – founded in 1781 by wealthy noblemen, and still run today by the same family. They produce Sherry, Sherry Vinegars and Brandy. Their Cardinal Mendoza is one of the highest qualities brandies produced in Spain.

Sherry wines are fortified wines, meaning brandy is added to the wine to preserve it. Better for all those long 18th and 19th century hauls across the Atlantic, right? While other preservation methods now exist, brandy fortification is still used because of the distinct flavors it can add to the wines.

We learned that there is a wide range of Sherry varieties, from the pale Manzanillas and Finos, though the amber Amontillados, on to the darker ambers bleeding into mahoganies of Olorosso, all the way to the deep mahogany colored Pedro Jimenez – which to me was really a sipped dessert. I didn’t get to try all the varieties – it was morning, after all, but I absolutely loved the complex burnt sugar flavors in a glass of the Pedro Jimenez. Just skip the dessert and have it with some cashews and blue cheese. Heaven!

And to top off the morning, we were lavishly entertained by master classical guitarist and collaborator with many of flamenco’s greats, Alfredo Lagos. All in all, a Sunday go to church experience for me.

Luckily for you, I taped a small portion of the concert to share with you now. Click on the link below to view the unlisted video:

https://youtu.be/dMbRsnBo42U