Monday 23 November 2015

23.11.15 BIB War Hots Up; Consejo Event in Madrid

After a visit by Consejo control and certification inspectors to rebel bodegas in Sanlúcar last week reports of misdeeds are accumulating. It appears that some Manzanilleros have been using official Consejo seals issued for garrafas on BIBs. The only permitted vessel for bulk sale is the garrafa which comes in three capacities: 4, 8 and 16 litres, and that capacity is printed on the official DO seal.

BIBs come in different capacities: 5, 10 and 15 litres. So what one Manzanillero has allegedly done is to crudely cross out the 15 litre capacity printed on the BIB and attach an official garrafa sticker with the 16 litre capacity. The rebels have already been denounced by the Consejo and Fedejerez and if proceedings are brought by the Junta they stand to face fines of between 3,000 and 50,000 euros.

The Junta vice president to whom the rebels had appealed for support met them last Friday, but he merely asked for dialogue without getting down to the roots of the problem. The Junta is the Consejo’s higher authority and should really pronounce on the issue, but has so far failed to do so.

The 80th birthday cake presented at the event (foto:diariodejerez)

 Sherry, gastronomy and flamenco got together at the famous Madrid flamenco club El Corral de la Morería the other night for the penultimate celebration the 80th anniversary of the DO Jerez and establishment of the Consejo. Among those invited were sommeliers, restaurateurs, wine journalists, distributors and those behind the film El Misterio del Palo Cortado. A special tasting menu to highlight the Sherries chosen for the 80th celebrations was greatly enjoyed, and each pairing was accompanied by specially chosen flamenco. 

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