In the glass
Aroma: chamomile flowers, sea salt, fresh bread, green apple, almonds
Palate: saline, citrus, yeast, mineral
San León is Argüeso's flagship Manzanilla: light, saline and fresh with chamomile and green apple character from Sanlúcar's Barrio Bajo cellars.
What it pairs with
-
Boquerones fritos
Crisp fried anchovies need the wine's cutting acidity and saline energy. -
Gazpacho andaluz
Fresh tomato-vegetable acidity mirrors the wine's bright profile. -
Coquinas (wedge clams)
Tiny Sanlúcar clams sautéed in garlic and parsley are the local pairing classic for San León.
How to serve San León Manzanilla
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Sherry copita: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Boquerones fritos, Gazpacho andaluz, Coquinas (wedge clams). Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
San León is named after León de Argüeso who founded Bodegas Argüeso in 1822. The cellars are located in the Barrio Bajo quarter of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, directly above the Guadalquivir estuary, where Atlantic humidity maintains continuous flor activity year-round. San León won the Manzanilla Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2017.
- 1822 — Bodegas Argüeso founded by León de Argüeso in the Barrio Bajo
- 2017 — San León Manzanilla wins the Manzanilla Trophy at the International Wine Challenge
Facts
- Producer
- Bodegas Herederos de Argüeso
- Grapes
- Palomino Fino
- Classification
- DO Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda
- Oak
- Biological ageing under flor in American oak butts; solera system
- ABV
- 15.0%
- Price
- €8-14 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-3 from bottling
- First vintage
- 1822
Frequently asked about San León Manzanilla
What does San León Manzanilla taste like?
On the nose, chamomile flowers, sea salt, fresh bread, green apple, almonds. On the palate, saline, citrus, yeast, mineral. Structurally light-bodied, low tannins, racy acidity with a crisp and briny finish. San León is Argüeso's flagship Manzanilla: light, saline and fresh with chamomile and green apple character from Sanlúcar's Barrio Bajo cellars.
When should I drink San León Manzanilla?
Drink 1-3 from bottling. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with San León Manzanilla?
Boquerones fritos is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Gazpacho andaluz and Coquinas (wedge clams). Crisp fried anchovies need the wine's cutting acidity and saline energy.
What grapes are in San León Manzanilla?
The blend is Palomino Fino. The wine is classified as DO Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda.