Montilla Superior

Published: 23 July, 2008

Regulation changes encourage higher quality

A new range of quality Montilla-Moriles wines has been launched by the Montisierra Group and Wines from Spain, taking advantage of an EU regulation (881/98) which has allowed the wines to be described as Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso since 1999. Following legal threats from Sherry producers, Montilla producers had been able to use the traditional Spanish terms for wines sold on the domestic market only. Those offered on export markets were described simply as Dry, Medium or Cream, and were almost entirely supermarket own-label wines which at lower alcohol and duty levels hit particular price points. The change in regulations has encouraged the established bodegas of Alvear, Prez Barquero and their subsidiaries which form the Montisierra Group, to export a range of superior wines. Among those recently shown at a tasting at the Caviar House in London were Finos, Amontillados, Olorosos and dessert Pedro Ximnez wines including a 1910 Solera (38). Montisierra hopes to attract new consumers not only by exporting higher-quality traditional wines which have a great affinity for food, but also by introducing new styles such as Alvear's 1998 Pedro Ximnez (5.99-6.99). Unlike the traditional wines, this is a single-vintage wine which does not undergo ageing and blending in the solera system. Bottled in clear glass and designed to appeal to younger consumers, it is in a fresher, fruitier style suitable for drinking or mixing. Information on current stockists is available from Focus PR (020 7432 9432)

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