Tio Pepe in Jerez de la Frontera

Tio Pepe in Jerez de la Frontera

In 1835 in Jerez, Spain, Manuel Maria Gonzalez, an ambitious 23 year old, set up the first manifestation of the company that was ultimately to become Gonzalez Byass. Young Manuel was mentored in this by his uncle, José Angel de la Pena, (affectionately known as Pepe), already a renowned authority on sherry and its production. It was natural therefore that in 1837 Manuel should give the first, tiny bodega (cellar) over to his uncle so that the older man could potter away at his passion to create a delicate sherry to his own, personal taste. (At the time dry, Fino sherries were enjoyed only by a very few locals in Jerez). Later, Manuel sent a couple of barrels of his uncle's new, dry wine over to his London agent, one Robert Byass. The future company partner was sceptical: "We shall see what can be done with the very, very pale wine that you so highly recommend". But the beautifully dry taste of José Angel's wine proved a great success and in 1849 Manuel named what is now the world's best-selling Fino after it's creator, (tio being Spanish for uncle) - Tio Pepe.