People's names as Sherry brands

(Based on a recent Diario de Jerez article)

The use of people’s names for brands is a long standing tradition in Jerez. In many cases it was used in recognition of a member of the bodega family, such as in the case of Gonzalez Byass’ Alfonso , the king at the time, or alternatively to honour a well -known person such as Leonor, granddaughter of king Juan Carlos. The name is often accompanied by a familiar reference such as “Tio” Pepe, “Tio” Diego or “Don” Jose.

In 2008 Aecovi, a coop in Jerez, decided to launch its own wines onto the market, and in 2011 they launched a range called Alejandro, ostensibly after the ancient Greek Alexander, “saviour of men”, but eschewing the traditional use of “Tio” or “Don” to give a more current image. The label itself is also a departure, with a modern font and vertical lettering.  The coop is already selling its wines in many export markets.

 This range has just been followed up by another called “Santiago”. This name was chosen because Santiago (Saint James) is a well-known name, and everyone knows the Camino de Santiago. The wine met with success at the Sherryfest in New York, and will now be exported there after the signing of contracts.

Many Sherries have interesting names, here are a few more:

GB’s La Concha is named after their bodega La Concha (a seashell in plan) designed by Eiffel, and their Vina AB is named after Andres Botaina from whom they bought the vineyard

Valdespino’s Inocente comes from a vineyard of that name, as does Domecq Fino La Ina, now Lustau

Garvey San Patricio was named by Irishman William Garvey after Ireland’s patron saint, and their Tio Guillermo after him, the firm’s founder

Lots are named after Napoleonic times, such as Hidalgo La Gitana’s Napoleon and Wellington or Rivero’s Trafalgar 1815

Barbadillo’s Solear refers to sunning the grapes,; Osborne’s Coquinero is slang for someone from Puerto de Santa Maria.

La Guita is a play on words: it is slang for cash which the founder insisted upon, and also means string, which runs between capsule and label.

La Gitana is named after a painting of a gypsy painted for the firm by the composer Turina’s father. It is rumoured that there may be more to it than that…

Manzanilla is always feminine: La Bailaora, Deliciosa, Pastrana, La Cigarrera…