Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante

A cathedral winery by definition. The most representative of its surroundings. The most elegant, majestic and solemn. If there’s one unmissable place in Sanlúcar, all wine lovers should visit La Arboledilla at some point in their lives.

Owned by Barbadillo, this winery, located in the Barrio Alto of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, is currently the largest producer by volume in the D.O. Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Within its walls there are more than 1,500 casks which Barbadillo, a leader in research and experimentation, uses to carry out various experiments. In the 180 metre long area, where the wine spends a long period of time, there is space for different environments and microclimates. For example: in some parts of this winery you will notice either the cold Poniente or the warm Levante (the two main winds in Cadiz). The winemaker Montse Molina is an expert in this and understands each of the characteristics in enormous details. She herself was the one who noticed how the same manzanilla, in different places in the winery and bathed by one or the other wind, developed completely differently. This is how Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante was born, a Manzanilla En Rama aged between five and six years.

The rebelliousness and strength of the Levante are more noticeable in this area, which is east-facing (away from the sea and with the windows closed), and much darker and humid. This is where Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante starts life. Here the Palomino Fino, a variety native to the area, reveals its character much more powerfully. Holding onto these qualities, which are acquired mainly in the vineyard on the albariza (local soil), is what Barbadillo strives to do.

As for the production method, Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante follows the same path as all fortified wines from the Jerez region. After the grapes are harvested, they are taken to the winery, where they are pressed to obtain the free-run juice and the second must. The first, which is much higher quality, is used for biological aging (manzanillas and amontillados); the second, with a little more body, will be used for oxidative aging (olorosos and palos cortados). With Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante, its fate is determined by the yeast cap, which it spends a maximum of 6 years under, during which time the yeasts will protect it from oxygen and consume certain components of the wine (alcohol, sugar remains, glycerin, dissolved oxygen) and add other components (acetaldehyde). To maintain this essence, and because it couldn’t be any different, Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante is bottled unfiltered and unclarified, with all its essence.

To enjoy all the nuances of Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante , we recommend tasting its partner as well: Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Poniente. In life everything has its opposite. And maintaining balance is really important. The two form the perfect pair to discover the true taste of Sanlúcar. And the best thing of all: that both can continue to change and evolve over time. Surprised are guaranteed with Barbadillo Manzanilla Arboledilla Levante. We can assure you that no two will be the same.