Southern Campiña
Wineries, octagonal squares and fino country south of the capital.
Key points
- The Southern Campiña is the home of Montilla-Moriles wine: fino, amontillado, oloroso and Pedro Ximénez.
- Its key villages are Montilla, Aguilar de la Frontera, Puente Genil, La Rambla, Moriles and Monturque.
- Aguilar has one of the most original squares in Andalusia: the octagonal Plaza de San José.
- In spring it joins the calendar with wine tastings and the Holy Week of Puente Genil.
Wineries of Montilla and Moriles
Montilla-Moriles wines are made mainly from the Pedro Ximénez grape. Finos and amontillados age under a veil of flor in barrels, using the criaderas and soleras system, and there are also very intense sweet Pedro Ximénez wines. Many wineries open their doors for visits and tastings, usually by reservation. Details in wine and olive oil.
Villages of the countryside
- MontillaWine capital. The Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, son of a conquistador and an Inca princess, lived here for years.
- Aguilar de la FronteraThe octagonal Plaza de San José; the Rincón and Zóñar lagoons are nearby.
- Puente GenilFamous for its quince jelly and its singular Holy Week, the "Mananta".
- La RamblaPottery tradition: popular fired-clay ceramics.
- MonturqueWith a large Roman cistern preserved under the old town.
- MorilesThe name of the other half of the designation of origin, with family wineries.
Lagoons and birds
Within the municipality of Aguilar de la Frontera lie the Rincón and Zóñar lagoons, part of the network of countryside nature reserves, with bird observatories.
Getting there
Montilla is about 45 km from Córdoba and Aguilar about 51; Puente Genil about 71. It is a full-day trip: a winery in the morning, lunch in the area and a stroll in the afternoon. Combine it with the Subbética, just to the south.
Frequently asked questions
What is Montilla-Moriles?
It is the designation of origin for fortified and sweet wines from the Southern Campiña, famous for fino, amontillado and Pedro Ximénez.