Juan Bautista González y Villar was born in
Jerez in 1846. His father, who came from the north of Spain, was a rich
landowner and his mother was Mexican. Juan established his bodega in 1870 in
the C/Arcos, 55. He bought soleras, some dating back to 1780, and also owned extensive
vineyards in the Pago Macharnudo which he tended with great care.
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| Don Juan (foto:JLJimenez) |
With such fine soleras he quickly earned a
reputation for excellent quality which won him many international awards. The
firm expanded considerably, having to move to larger premises in the old
Orrantia bodegas in nearby Calle Matadero, 7 near the railway station in 1896.
González owned a much reputed brandy distillery
within the bodegas where he produced a “Cognac-style spirit with a degree of
quality and finesse which competes with the most accredited French spirits.” In
1907 the trading name changed to Juan Bautista González and remained as such
till the firm ceased trading in 1933. Juan lived in a palatial house at Calle
Corredera, 35 with his wife and daughter Juanita.
Their most memorable brands were:
Amontillado Fino El Conocedor, Fino Viña del Pleito, Doble Palma, Ambrosía,
Solera Palo Cortado Superior, Amontillado Néctar de Ángeles, Manzanilla
Mariloli, Brandy Las Meninas, Brandy El Coloso.
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