The standard of type and leader both in Spain and abroad. Manzanilla is the rarest of all authentic sherries, being uniquely site-specific in origin. Matured beneath a constant veil of yeast (called flor) as only occurs on the beachfront in Sanlúcar, giving manzanilla a dry, haunting delicacy analogous to fine Champagne.

Rating

Wine Spectator 90 points (Oct 31 2005) Densely packed on the nose, with currants, flowers, mineral and oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with spicy dried fruit flavors, firm tannins and a long, minerally finish. One of the best values in outstanding wines from Italy. Best after 2006. —J.S. Densely packed on the nose, with currants, flowers, mineral and oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with spicy dried fruit flavors, firm tannins and a long, minerally finish. One of the best values in outstanding wines from Italy. Best after 2006. —J.S.

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Founded in 1792, Bodegas Hidalgo is one of the greatest bastions of tradition in the sherry industry, and among very few remaining estate-bottled exporters. With vineyards in the fabulous seaside pagos of El Cuadrado and Miraflores and aging cellars on the beach in Sanlúcar, the quintessential flor-aged style is the specialty, known as Manzanilla. From Manzanilla a range of rare Amontillado and Palo Cortado wines are derived of exquisite quality.