All designations of origin have different control and verification bodies that ensure the authenticity of the wines and spirits produced in the region. In particular, in the Marco de Jerez region—Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda—the Regulatory Council of the D.O. ‘Jerez Xeres Sherry’ is responsible for this.
“The Regulatory Council verifies and assigns a unique identification number to every bottle produced within the appellation,” says Marcelino Piquero, commercial director of the Sánchez Romate winery. “In fact, to ensure neutrality in the evaluation, an external control body that is completely independent of the winery and the Regulatory Council is hired. This organization sends inspectors and conducts laboratory tests to verify the product’s authenticity,” adds Marcelino.
When it comes to safety, preserving tradition, and upholding the region’s prestige, every effort must be made to ensure that the end consumer purchases an authentic product. It is estimated that 5% of the spirits sold worldwide are counterfeit, and 25% of those reaching Asia are not authentic.
Given this situation, Marcelino offers a series of tips to keep in mind when purchasing a bottle of wine or brandy.
“First, we recommend checking the bottle label to ensure it bears the Regulatory Council’s distinctive seal and the bottle’s identification number—we could say it’s the bottle’s ID. These must be in a visible location according to current regulations. They are usually located on the back label of the bottle,” adds Marcelino.
In addition to these internal measures within the production area, it is worth noting that the Regulatory Council operates under the supervision of the Spanish Government, which in turn is subject to bodies belonging to the European Union.
As you can see, there are a number of things you should know to avoid being misled, and a quick glance at both labels can help you avoid the occasional headache.
So the next time you buy any type of wine with a designation of origin, or in the case of brandies, a Cardenal Mendoza, take 15 seconds to
Ensure that the bottle you hold in your hands reflects the quality and finesse that define us by following the guidelines we have listed.
Once you know everything is in order, there’s just one thing left to do:
Pour yourself a glass and raise a toast!
By the way, if you already have a bottle of Cardenal Mendoza or plan to try it soon, we recommend checking out this post we’ve prepared on the best way to enjoy a fine brandy.
Enjoy!
