Andalucía

DO only for white wines in the wine-growing region of Andalusia on the Atlantic coast in southern Spain, close to the border with Portugal. The vineyard area totals around 6.000 hectares, on average the vineyards are located only 25 metres above sea level. Rainfall is plentiful. 80% of the area is planted with the dominant indigenous white variety Zalema. Other white varieties include Palomino (the sherry grape), Garrido Fino, Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez. In the 16th century, the region was the main supplier of wine to the newly discovered colonies in South America. In the 17th century, large quantities of the wines were shipped to the neighbouring region of Jerez, which lies to the south-east, for the production of sherry. This practice is no longer permitted. Today, wines similar to sherry in style (fino and oloroso) are produced here in a solera system. Other products include Jovens (young wines) and rancios. Experiments are under way with many red varieties, including Monastrell.