[MR] Fall of Jerez and Sherry Wine

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

On this date in 1231, the Moorish city of Xerez (modern spelling: Jerez)
surrendered to the Kingdom of Castile. This followed a large mounted raid
through the area by Spanish troops which resulted in the Battle of Jerez at
an unspecified date in April of that year. The Moors were soundly defeated,
and their control of the region crumbled:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jerez . Not so good for the Moors,
but great for the wine that later became known as sherry.

Wine had long been made this this region, but production was discouraged by
the Moors. The vineyards survived because they also produced raisins. Under
Spanish control the region boomed and sherry (or "sack" as the English
called it) was shipped all over Europe:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Sherry . Although modern sherry,
blended in the solera process and fortified with grape brandy, was still in
the future, small middle-ages battle laid the groundwork for us to enjoy a
fine Harvey's Bristol Cream.

See how seemingly unrelated events in history still echo in our own times?

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆