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González Byass Winery Guide

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Winery Overview

Founded in 1835 by a partnership between Spanish visionary Manuel Maria González Angel and his British agent Robert Blake Byass, González Byass stands as a cornerstone of the esteemed Sherry Triangle in Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria. With a rich heritage that has transcended centuries, this family-owned winery proudly cultivates vineyards in Jerez’s most prestigious parcels, including the renowned Macharnudo, Carrascal, and Burujena.

González Byass showcases a remarkable range of Sherries, each bearing the imprint of the region’s distinctive character. Their portfolio captures the essence of Sherry craftsmanship, from the crisp and refined Finos and Manzanillas to the robust Olorosos, Amontillados, and Pedro Ximénez styles. However, the iconic Tio Pepe (Uncle Joe) stands as the epitome of their mastery. Singlehandedly transforming the perception of sherry, Tio Pepe defied the misconception of a sweet, grandmotherly drink. With an audacious marketing campaign featuring young people savoring bone-dry sherry in elegant wine glasses, González Byass breathed new life into the category. The campaign stands as one of Spain’s most creative and dynamic wine endeavors in recent years.

In addition to their exceptional Sherries, González Byass extends their expertise to other wine regions, including La Rioja, Cava, and Chile. The art of brandy production is also an esteemed craft, and their Soberano brand stands as one of Spain’s most prestigious offerings, graced with exquisite bottles designed by the Royal Factory of La Granja. Furthermore, the winery produces an array of Olive Oils and vinegar at the esteemed Hacienda de Bracamonte and a delightful selection of fruit and cream liqueurs.

For wine enthusiasts embarking on a journey through Sherry country, González Byass is an enchanting destination that captivates the senses. The winery’s sprawling cellars, steeped in history, evoke a sense of romance and atmosphere. Among these cellars, the circular bodega, La Concha (The Seashell), built in 1862, showcases a solera of 214 butts of sherry. Designed by the English engineer Joseph Coogan and named after Queen Isabel II of Spain, this architectural marvel boasts a roof design without central support. Noteworthy banquets have graced these hallowed halls, including a momentous occasion in 1882 when Manuel Mª González hosted a feast for HM King Alfonso XII. The tradition continued with subsequent visits from King Alfonso XIII, and in the year 2000, Their Majesties, Don Juan Carlos, and Doña Sofía, honored this unique bodega with their presence.

Another great bodega within González Byass is “Los Apostoles,” dating back to 1857. Its name originates in a remarkable event—a special grape-pressing was performed for the esteemed Queen Isabel II during her visit in 1862. This yielded a quantity of must or grape juice 33 times the capacity of a standard barrel. To commemorate this extraordinary occurrence, the company’s founder commissioned an immense barrel from a Heidelberg cooper to contain this volume, and it became known within the company as “El Cristo,” as 33 was believed to be the age of Jesus Christ when he was crucified.

Finally, we encounter “Los Reyes” (The Kings), an exquisite Jerezana bodega dedicated to the Spanish Royal Family. Housing the winery’s most prized treasures, this sanctuary safeguards their oldest Sherry wines and showcases a collection of vintage Sherries, or “añadas.” The barrels within “Los Reyes” are meticulously dedicated to and signed by six generations of Spanish royalty, each having graced the company with their presence during visits to the bodegas.

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Author

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James lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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