There are no men in suits or English speaking guides. No video to watch, or gift shop to visit. In fact, the very humble, charmingly decrepit bodega just expanded beyond the small cellar as they slowly added new space for more fermentation tanks and even…a…bathroom. José “Pepe” Blanco and his brother Francisco “Paco” Blanco started the Callejuela winery in1980 They were Almacenistas making base wine from their own Palomino vineyards that they sold to the local bodegas of Sanlúcar. Throughout decades, their father, a prominent local viticulturist, increased his hectares by slowly buying small parcels. In 1998 they created the brand Viña Callejuela, and in 2015 they expanded the brand by releasing their Blanquito Manzanilla Pasada, La Casilla Amontillado y El Cerro Oloroso, their extensively aged generoso wines, as well as single vineyard, single vintage, "vinos estáticos" Manzanillas La Choza is made from un-fortified Palomino must from their 4 ha plot in Macharnudo located in the hills of Jerez. This 4ha Macharnudo pago is their warmest site, often 10 degrees warmer than at the winery in Sanlúcar. This vineyard is their farthest from the sea and less humid. The most rounded and plump of the three unforified single vineyards. Very elegantd citrus fruit and sea shells. Has a funky Chablis like quality and enjoys some air. Complex and exciting, with particularly noticeable Albariza character.
