Fino / Manzanilla
Dry Sherry aged biologically under a veil of flor. Pale, saline, almondy. The classic Spanish aperitif.
Fino and Manzanilla are siblings within the same style: dry, fresh and alive under the veil of flor. They are proof that fortified wines are not necessarily sweet or heavy.
Service and sensory profile
Temperature
6–8 °C
Glass
Small catavino or Sherry glass.
Ageing potential
Drink young: ideally within a year of bottling. Does not keep well once opened.
Body
Light
Sensory profile
Wine-list intelligence
How to use Fino / Manzanilla on a wine list
Practical reading for buying, service, rotation and pairing.
7-9 °C
Small / white-wine glass
Fino or Manzanilla
Role on the list
Fino / Manzanilla creates an expert service zone for aperitif, cheese, dessert and table closure.
Floor cue
Explain dry/sweet, temperature and small pour before alcohol strength.
Commercial lever
It creates margin in half-pours, long menus and closing recommendations.
Mistake to avoid
Do not hide it as a curiosity; it needs a concrete use in the experience.
Useful uses
Winemaking
Fortified to 15% once the wine has fermented. Yeasts (flor) form a veil that protects the wine from oxidation. Aged under flor for a minimum of 2 years (the DO's legal minimum; many go well beyond it). The veil prevents oxygen contact but allows aromatic exchange.
Main grapes
Suggested pairings
How this style works on a wine list
What it communicates
Fino is the 'best-kept secret' among aperitifs. Selling it as 'dry, saline, perfect with jamón' sparks interest. It is a wine to sell as an experience.
Who orders it
Spanish guests, gourmets, sommeliers.
How to sell it better
By Sherry producer (González Byass, Sandeman) or by specific type (Fino de Jerez, Manzanilla de Sanlúcar).
When it is a safe option
For experienced guests. A distinctive choice, but a safe one within its niche.
When it differentiates
Always a differentiator. Few guests ask for it.
When it works as premium
Not premium in price, but premium in prestige.
Competes with
Best for these concepts
Related styles
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Connected library
Explore related library entries
Connect this page with related grapes, regions, styles and pairings.
Blog and tools
Related articles
Winerim blog articles that cover this entry.
Related tools
Tools to put it into practice on your wine list.
Want your wine list to work with this intelligence?
Winerim organizes styles, temperatures, glassware and pairings so your team and guests can use the list better.
Request demo