Where does Sherry Vinegar come from?
Sherry vinegar comes from Andalucía in the southwest of Spain. Sherry vinegars can be made only from wines produced in the "sherry triangle", which is formed by the city of Jerez de la Frontera and the costal towns of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. Not only must sherry vinegar be made from wines from the "sherry triangle" but it has to be aged in one of these sherry towns.A potted history of sherry vinegar
Although the famous sherry wines have been produced in and around Jerez de la Frontera for many centuries, it is only recent decades that sherry vinegar has become well known.
Inevitably the odd butt of wine turns naturally into vinegar. In the past this was feared by local wine-makers as it could damage their reputation. Especially if it happened a little too often! These butts were usually stored away, out of sight, and separate from the good wines. The butts, once they had contained vinegar, could not be used to age wine.
The vinegar, left to age away quietly, acquired a unique character and powerful concentration. Wine-makers recognised these qualities, and began to age the vinegar using the same “solera” system as their sherry wines and brandies. The winemakers even began to encourage the formation of vinegar and filled butts with wine for the sole purpose of making vinegar.
Ironically, sherry vinegars became highly prized and not long ago sherry vinegar was only given out to family members and close friends of the bodega.
