The sherry region comprises more than 2,300 vineyards totalling about 7,500 hectares, with vineyards averaging 10 hectares. Each pago encompasses several vineyards. If a sherry comprises at least 85% of the grapes from one pago, then the name of that pago may be used on the label.
Some vineyards are classified as Jerez Superior, and from when the Denomination of Origin Jerez-Xérèz-Sherry was established in 1935 through to November 2023, Jerez Superior was limited to the area that lay within the triangle-shaped area delineated by the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Jerez Superior was also exclusively granted to vineyards with Albariza soil, which predominates in this area. Now, any grower with any soil within the greater sherry region can apply for Jerez Superior.
Albariza soil
