Andalucía, or Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía (Autonomous Community of Andalucia) is the most southern of all Spanish provinces and is home to the world famous fortified wine, Sherry. Although light wines are also made here, it is the fortified wines which unite the various DO (Denominación de Origen) regions of Andalucía. These range from light and refreshing Fino and Manzanilla Sherries to extremely concentrated and full-bodied PXs (luscious sweet wines made from the Pedro Ximénez grape variety).
The region's climate, which significantly affects wine production here, can be broadly divided into three zones, the cooler Atlantic influenced west coast encompassing the Sherry producing areas of Jerez and Sanlucar de Barrameda, the Mediterranean climate in the south around Málaga and the comparatively hot and dry conditions around the DO of Montilla-Moriles. The latter two being most suitable for the production of the region's signature style heavy dessert wines from the Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grape varieties. The much lower average temperature of the western coast is vital to preserve the all important acidity in the Palomino grapes for the production of Fino and Manzanilla styles of Sherry.
Airén is another important grape variety grown in the northern parts of the region. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot also produce good wines in the warmer parts of Andalucia and are growing in popularity with the local growers.
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