13.2.13 Fake Sherry; Barbadillo; Japanese Venenciadores

The Sherry bodegas are beginning to scent victory in the endless fight against fake Sherry.  Canada has agreed to ban these products as of the 31^st December next, when the period for selling these through expires. This is the latest in a series of bans on wines masquerading as all sorts of classic European appellations, after talks between Canada and the European Union which began 10 years ago. Previously, Canadian made “Sherry” was outselling the real thing by 9-1, and now, at last, there is an opportunity for the real thing to improve its position. Now the Consejo needs to look at the USA, especially in light of the recent success of Sherryfest in New York. American Sherries outsell Spanish ones by 5-1. Other countries too, have imitation Sherry, but in much smaller quantities.

Two wines from Bodegas Barbadillo have been awarded prizes by the Spanish Association of Journalists and Wine Writers. Amontillado VORS and Manzanilla Solear won against 403 other wines, making Jerez the Denominacion de Origen with the most awards with 7 prizes in total.

Recently a group of 10 Japanese wine professionals visited Jerez to take part in the ninth edition of the Japan Sherry Academy. They attended in-depth seminars on all aspects of Sherry imparted by Beltran Domecq and Cesar Saldana. Every year in Japan, an important market for Sherry, a venencia competition is held, and last year’s winner, Kosuno Ki Yokihuro was on hand.