Wine and olive oil of the province of Córdoba
Fino, amontillado, Pedro Ximénez and extra virgin oil: the liquid gold of Córdoba.
Key points
- The Montilla-Moriles D.O. produces wines from the Pedro Ximénez grape: fino, amontillado, oloroso and sweet.
- Finos and amontillados age under a veil of flor in barrels, using criaderas and soleras.
- Extra virgin olive oil has several designations of origin in the province, including Baena, Priego, Montoro-Adamuz and Lucena.
- Many wineries and oil mills can be visited, with tastings, best by reservation.
Montilla-Moriles wines
Pedro Ximénez gives wines with high natural alcohol, so finos are often made without fortification. The main types are:
- FinoDry, pale and light, with biological ageing under a veil of flor. Served very cold.
- AmontilladoAn older fino with part oxidative ageing; amber and nutty.
- OlorosoOxidative ageing, with intense body and aroma.
- Pedro XiménezSweet, from sun-dried grapes, almost black and very dense. Goes well with ice cream or desserts.
Visiting a winery lets you see the stacked barrels and the criaderas and soleras system, and finish with a tasting. The reference villages are Montilla, Moriles and Aguilar de la Frontera.
Extra virgin olive oil
Córdoba is one of the largest oil-producing provinces in Andalusia. Baena, Priego de Córdoba, Montoro-Adamuz and Lucena have their own designation of origin. Oil mills press mainly between November and January. An oil tasting with bread and tomato is a very Córdoba plan.
Other products
- Los Pedroches Iberian hamFrom pigs raised in the dehesa, with a designation of origin.
- Rute aniseA distilling tradition of the Subbética.
- Goat's cheeseTypical of Zuheros and the mountains.
- Quince jellyThe one from Puente Genil is well known.
How to visit
Book ahead at weekends, ask whether there are guided tastings and whether you can eat at the winery. If you are driving, remember that wine is tasted in small amounts. Combine it with a tourist route or with the food and drink of the area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit a winery or olive mill?
Yes. Many wineries in Montilla and Moriles and mills in the Subbética and Baena offer visits and tastings, usually by prior booking.