Sherry bottlers based in the Douro region represent a unique and somewhat unconventional aspect of the wine industry. Traditionally, Sherry, a fortified wine, is closely associated with the Jerez region in Southern Spain. However, the presence of sherry bottlers in Portugal's Douro Valley, a region famed for its Port wines, is a fascinating example of the fluidity and interconnectedness of the wine world.
The Douro Valley, with its steep terraced vineyards along the Douro River, is renowned for its rich wine-making tradition, primarily centred around Port, a fortified wine similar to Sherry. This expertise in fortified wines provides a foundation for the production and bottling of Sherry-style wines. The climate and soil conditions in the Douro, while different from Jerez, can produce fortified wines with distinct characteristics and complexities.
Sherry bottlers in the Douro region are often involved in the intricate process of blending and ageing to produce a variety of styles, from dry to sweet Sherries. The process typically involves the use of indigenous grape varieties, fortified with grape spirit, and aged in wooden barrels. The art of blending and ageing in the Douro brings a unique twist to the traditional Sherry profile, with nuances that reflect the terroir and winemaking traditions of the region.