The producers of
Moscatel in Chiclana feel discriminated against by the Consejo Regulador,
and are seriously thinking of abandoning the Denominacion de Origen because certain
characteristics of their famous wine, which have now become traditional, have
been vetoed by the new Reglamento. The firms in Chiclana, mostly small artesan firms
and a cooperative, only want to continue doing what they have always done: supply
Moscatel without wood ageing to the tabancos, without having to lose the name “Chiclana”,
as allowed in the DO.
The new Reglamento insists on a minimum of two years ageing
in wood for DO wines, and certainly does not permit sale of the wine in “bag in
box” (BIB) format which the “Chiclaneros” want. The BIB question has been
dragging on for years, and has still not been debated at the Consejo, while other
regions have forged ahead, Montilla-Moriles and Huelva, for example. It has,
however been used in the Jerez area, but only at the cost of the wine being
sold without a DO and any reference to its origins. Despite that, considerable
sales have been made to the catering trade. The Consejo is perfectly aware of advantages
of this packaging, but many feel it cheapens the image of Sherry.
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| Moscatel from Manuel Aragon - as CRDO would like to see it |
Sales of Moscatel in the Chiclana area amount to some 60,000
litres, mostly to tabancos, which are witnessing a resurgence in Jerez, and are
also traditional in other areas of the Jerez area, such as Chiclana and
Sanlucar. Apparently, since the prohibition of BIB, a black market has sprung
up among some aggrieved producers who will not be hamstrung by the new
regulations.
The City Council of
Jerez is encouraging World Sherry Day (WSD) participation. In the unlikely case
you didn’t already know, this is the 26th of this month, 80 years
since the foundation of DO Sherry. The plan is that events celebrating our
favourite wine will take place simultaneously worldwide.
Over 100 events are already planned, including maridajes,
cocktails, lunches, dinners, tastings etc. Jerez’s tourism and festivals
councillor, Antonio Real, has pointed out the importance to Jerez of the event
and has encouraged private business to participate. Chelsea Anthon, co-founder
of WSD, said that the event has linked people from all over the world who share
a passion for Sherry, and that a revival is beginning to happen. The director
general of the Consejo, Cesar Saldana, agreed saying that he had no doubt that
it would be a unique celebration and hoped that it would continue to grow and
enjoy success for years to come.
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