It is often described as having a savoury and salty flavour, believed to develop from the chalky soil near the sea estuary of the Guadalquivir river.

The thicker cap of flor better protects the wine from contact with the air, resulting in a fresher, more delicate flavour than a fino from Jerez.

[3] On 12 April 2012, the rules applicable to the sweet and fortified Denominations of Origen Montilla-Moriles and Jerez-Xérès-Sherry were changed.

[5][6] The classification by sweetness is: The authorised grape varieties are the same as those of Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DOP: Manzanilla is best served chilled at 7–10 °C (45–50 °F).

[7] The 1875 French opera Carmen by Georges Bizet features a well-known aria, 'Près des remparts de Séville', in which the titular character, after being detained, seduces the guard assigned to her into freeing her by promising that they will visit her friend's tavern where they will dance and drink manzanilla.