12.5.16 Jerez is off to New York; New Williams & Humbert Lecture

Jerez is off to New York. Divino Jerez is the title of an exhibition by photographer María Higuero in celebration of the Congress of the Federation of Spanish Associations in the United States which takes place between 17-24 May at La Nacional, 239 West 14^th Street, New York NY 10011. La Nacional is the oldest Spanish society in New York having been established over 150 years ago, and has seen such greats as Dalí, Picasso, Buñuel and García Lorca pass through its doors. During the congress those attending will be able to enjoy food and Sherry matching with wine from González Byass tutored by Sherry educator Virginia Miller, director of Discover Sherry on 20 May at the gala dinner.

Williams & Humbert’s excellent series of lectures continues with “Sherry: Looking to the Future” which will be imparted at the bodega by Luís Pérez Rodriguez, owner of Bodegas Luís Pérez Finca Vistahermosa on Thursday 19 May at 20.30. Luís is a professor of food technology and oenology at the University of Cádiz, and while the bodega specialises in table wine, his son “Willy” Pérez is doing interesting things with Sherry at the bodega. This should be fascinating and will be followed with a glass of Sherry. Do attend if you can, it will be really fascinating and there is no charge.    

12.12.15 Some News Shorts

Owner of the top quality Jerez bodega El Maestro Sierra, Pilar Plá, has been named an honorary member of the Atheneum of wine of El Puerto de Santa María. This honour is in recognition of the achievements of one of the few women running a bodega in the province.

Pilar Pla (centre) with Beltran Domecq (right) (foto:cosasdecome)

Luís Pérez, owner of the bodega of that name has been awarded the honour “Gaditano del Año” (person from Cádiz of the year) by the Atheneum of Cádiz for his achievements in producing quality red wines. His son Guillermo “Willy” Pérez is experimenting with unfortified Fino.

Luis Perez receiving his award (foto:bodega)

Cortijo de Jara, another table wine producer in Jerez, has won the silver medal in the Tempranillos al Mundo Competition with their Cortijo de Jara 12 months. Considering Rioja and Ribera del Duero have vastly more tempranillo grapes than Jerez, this is a real achievement. In fact it was the only bodega from Andalucía in the competition.

Wine ageing in the beautiful old cortijo (foto:bodega)

A major Osborne shareholder seems to have disappeared. Guo Guanchang, multi-millionaire boss of China’s biggest corporation Fosun, and owner of 20% of Osborne, was alleged to have last been seen being escorted by police at Shanghai airport. It is possible he is involved in a corruption investigation.

Ignacio Osborne and Guo Guanchang (foto:ABC)