Zerej

Zerej is a masterstroke, a sort of luxury Sherry tasting pack consisting of four different magnums of seriously interesting and top quality wine from Sanlúcar in limited quantities. Armando Guerra had the idea and was helped by Ramiro Ibáñez, and the theme of the first release, Zerej I, back in spring 2015 was to show the effects of flor. It contained a 2014 barrel fermented Mosto with no flor and an eighteen month old Manzanilla from Viña Callejuela; an eleven year old Manzanilla Pasada from Juan Piñero; and an eighteen year old Amontillado from Delgado Zuleta. Only 120 packs of four magnums were available. Naturally Sherry enthusiasts were delighted and shared their magnums with friends and family, so the pack inevitably sold out very quickly. 

Later, Armando was put in charge of top end wines at Bodegas Barbadillo and, among other projects, he and the firm’s oenologist Montse Molina set about creating Zerej II. This time the wines in the pack all come from Barbadillo and the theme is the effects of oxidation. They are a 2014 barrel fermented white, a nine year old Manzanilla Amontillada (labelled Amontillado), a twenty-five year old Palo Cortado and a twelve year old Oloroso. There are 240 packs containing one magnum of each, bottled in March 2017, and an explanatory booklet.

27.11.15 Armando Guerra at Barbadillo

Bodegas Barbadillo, producers of almost half the wine of Sanlúcar, have appointed Armando Guerra to the newly created role known as director of “Alta Enología” or perhaps product development director.  In a press release the bodega said “he will dedicate himself to working with the range of old and special wines as well as the study of new wines which could complement the company’s current range. Well known in the wine trade for his work and experience in promoting Sherry and Manzanilla from the Taberna Er Guerrita, this 40 year old Sanluqueño will join a new professional project at one of the leading Sherry bodegas.”

Armando Guerra at Barbadillo (foto:elmundovino)

With no fewer than three relevant degrees, Armando is well qualified and has turned the bar established by his father into a reference point on the oenological map. He has put on all sorts of interesting tastings with immense enthusiasm, focussing particularly on innovative producers like Equipo Navazos, Willy Pérez and Ramiro Ibáñez, doing wonders in the process for the promotion and rebirth of Sherry. One of his new tasks will be to select exceptional butts from the oldest soleras and market them in the manner of Equipo Navazos and another is to propose new ideas in viticulture and winemaking like messrs. Pérez and Ibáñez. It is good to see Barbadillo joining other big bodegas with a growing interest in rebuilding Sherry, and hearty congratulations to them and to Armando.