Bodegas Yuste
Aurora Manzanilla Barrio Alto Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Region: Spain - Andulucia
Bodegas Yuste
Sanlúcar native Francisco (Paco) Yuste a true lover of Manzanilla his entire life, built a successful beverage distributorship in the provinces of Cádiz and Córdoba. In 1991 he purchased historic Bodega Santa Ana in Sanlúcar’s Barrio Bajo, including its centenerian “solera”, and began operation as an “almacenista.” In 2001 he added Bodega Los Ángeles in the Barrio Alto, restoring it to Manzanilla production and using it to refresh his “criaderas” at Santa Ana. Bodega Miraflores, founded in 1956 by a group of growers was acquired in 2010 to serve as production base. In 2015 Yuste’s acquisition of the classic Aurora brand provided impetus for export launch. This was followed in 2016 by purchase of Herederos de Argüeso with its famous Manzanilla, San León.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Vineyards in D.O. Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda: Viña La Alamedilla estate in the Jerez pago of Carrascal and long term sources in El Puerto de Santa María’s Balbaína and Sanlúcar’s Miraflores.
- Soils: Chalky white Albariza
- Climate: Humid maritime air and persistent breezes, cool temperatures
Harvest Notes
- Criadera from 18th century combined with new wines, 800 meters from Guadalquivir estuary
- Biological aging in old barrels under “veil of flor” – the natural yeast covering that develops under the humid conditions in the cellar for 8 – 10 years
- Wines unfiltered during aging
Winemaker's Notes
Iconic Manzanilla named for the widow Aurora Ambrosse Lacave, pioneering female sherry executive of the early 20th century. Aurora Manzanilla balances fresh apple and salty air in the nose with ample texture and length on the palate. A rounded, complex wine with seaside freshness, minerality and a full, satisfying mouthfeel.
Wine Summary
100% Palomino; alcohol: 15%; vineyards in D.O. Sanlúcar de Barrameda; chalky white albariza soil; humid maritime air, persistent breeze and cool temperatures; bodega 800 meters from Gualalquivir estuary; criaderas from 18th century combined with new wines; biologically aged 8 – 10 years in old barrels under veil of flor – natural yeast covering that develops in the humid cellars; no filtering.
Technical Information
- 100% Palomino
- Alcohol: 15%
Reviews
17 Points
50 cl. Nine years in cask. Very intense for a Manzanilla. Very salty but also a fullness in the mouth. Salty and dried chamomile. Complex and really quite powerful. Dry and briny on the palate but rich too. Not fishy but makes me think of anchovies. Mouth-watering. Not typical, perhaps, but outstanding.
© Wine Advocate, May, 2019
General Info
| COUNTRY | SPAIN |
| REGION | ANDALUCIA |
| APPELLATION | D.O. Manzanilla de Sanlucar de Barrameda |
| PROPRIETORS | Francisco (Paco) Yuste |
| FOUNDED | 1991 |
| WINEMAKER | Francisco (Paco) Yuste |