Montilla-Moriles is a DO (Denominación de Origen) within the autonomous community of Andalucia, Spain. It is located about 25 miles (45km) south of the historic city of Córdoba.
The Montilla-Monriles region is known for its rich dessert wines, which are categorized via the same classification system as that used for sherry in Jerez. The wines produced in Montilla-Moriles, however, are generally not fortified (with some exceptions, such as Oloroso), as the Pedro Ximénez grapes achieve extraordinary ripeness in this hot and dry climate – a mix of Mediterranean and semi-continental. The wines ferment to between 14 and 17% alcohol, leaving behind plenty of residual sugar. They are then matured using the 'Solera' system and classified into the following styles:
- Joven Afrutado (young and fruity): these are the most basic wines from Montilla-Moriles, dry or slightly sweet and consumed young. All the grape varieties grown in Montilla can be used for this wine.
- Fino: produced using the same techniques as Fino sherry, although the 'Flor' yeast responsible for imparting its distinct character to the wine is often not as effective in Montilla due to its hot climate (the average temperature in July is 97.2F/36.2C). These wines are dry, nutty and light in texture.
- Amontillado: means 'Montilla-style'. This wine starts its maturation period under a film of 'Flor', but once the yeast dissipates, the wine gradually oxidizes, changing its color to brown or amber. As the oxidative maturation continues, the wine gains amazing complexity – a hallmark of this style. Most Amontillado Montillas are sweet, made from the region's noble grape variety, Pedro Ximénez.
- Oloroso: a richer, heavier and darker style of Montilla made from Pedro Ximénez.
- Palo Cortado: an intermediate style between an Amontillado and Oloroso. These Montillas display the crispness of Amontillados and the richness of Olorosos.
Apart from these styles, Montilla-Moriles also produces unfortified dessert wines from extremely ripe Moscatel grapes, and brandies from Airén.
