Montilla-Moriles

Montilla-Moriles is located in the southern province of Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain, and is renowned for its unique style of fortified wines, with a particular focus on wines made from the Pedro Ximénez grape variety. The region has a long winemaking history dating back to Roman times, and various cultures and civilizations have influenced its winemaking traditions over the centuries. The flagship wines are made from Pedro Ximénez. The grapes are sun-dried after harvest, a process known as "asoleo" or "soleo," which concentrates the sugars and intensifies the flavors. The resulting wines are intensely sweet, with complex raisins, dried fruits, dates, caramel, and toffee aromas. Like its neighboring Jerez (Sherry) region, Montilla-Moriles specializes in producing fortified wines. The sweet PX wines are fortified with grape spirit, which increases the alcohol content and helps preserve the wine's sweetness and richness. Many wines in Montilla-Moriles are aged using the solera system, a fractional blending method where older wines are mixed with younger ones in stacked barrels. This process creates a consistent and complex wine style with various vintages blending. The region benefits from a hot Mediterranean climate, with long, dry summers and mild winters. The vineyards are often planted on chalky soils, known as albarizas, which help retain moisture and provide the necessary nutrients for the vines. While PX is the dominant grape variety in Montilla-Moriles, the region also produces wines from other local grape varieties like Pedro Ximénez Fino and Montepila. These wines offer a different expression of the region's terroir and winemaking techniques.