manzanilla
C1Formal / Specialised / Gastronomic
Definition
Meaning
A type of very dry, pale fino sherry from the region around Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain.
Also refers to a variety of small, bitter apple, or to the chamomile plant (especially in Spanish).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In English, 'manzanilla' is most commonly used in the context of wine and fine dining. Its other meanings are direct borrowings from Spanish and are context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood in wine connoisseur circles in both the UK and US. In the US, it might be slightly more familiar in regions with strong Spanish culinary influence.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, aperitifs, and Spanish cuisine. In botanical contexts, it connotes herbalism or Spanish-language references.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English; high frequency within specific domains of oenology and gourmet food.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to drink/serve] + manzanilla + [with/on/as]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in standard English.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the wine and hospitality industry for product descriptions and menus.
Academic
Appears in oenology, gastronomy, and Hispanic studies texts.
Everyday
Rare; used when discussing specific drinks or Spanish culture.
Technical
Precise term in viticulture and oenology for a biologically aged sherry from a specific coastal region.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- We'll start with the chilled manzanilla before the meal.
American English
- The tapas bar offers an excellent selection of manzanilla by the glass.
adjective
British English
- The manzanilla notes were perfect with the seafood.
American English
- They serve a manzanilla-style fino from California.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This wine is from Spain.
- We drank a Spanish sherry called manzanilla.
- A dry manzanilla is an ideal aperitif to serve with almonds.
- The unique saline tang of a true Sanlúcar manzanilla comes from the Atlantic breezes ageing it in barrel.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Manzanilla sounds like 'man' and 'vanilla' – imagine a man toasting with a very dry (not sweet) wine instead of a vanilla dessert.
Conceptual Metaphor
SALT AIR/WIND AS FLAVOUR: The coastal location (Sanlúcar) is conceptualised as imparting a distinct, briny flavour to the wine.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- It is not 'manzhetka' (cuff).
- The botanical meaning 'chamomile' (ромашка) is unrelated to the wine in English usage.
- Do not confuse with 'mazapan' (marzipan).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'manzanila'.
- Pronouncing it with a strong 'll' as /l/; it's /j/.
- Assuming it's a sweet wine.
- Using it as a generic term for any sherry.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of manzanilla in its most common English usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All manzanilla is a type of fino, but not all fino is manzanilla. Manzanilla must come specifically from the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Yes, it is typically served well-chilled, around 7-10°C (45-50°F), to highlight its crisp, fresh character.
Literally 'little apple'. It refers to the small, bitter apple variety and also to chamomile, whose flowers resemble small apples.
No, in English 'chamomile' is the standard term. Using 'manzanilla' would be seen as using the Spanish word directly and might cause confusion outside specific contexts.