Xeres

Xeres, or (1) JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, an important town of Spain, 14 (by rail 30) miles N.E. of Cadiz, with a Moorish castle (Alcazar), a collegiate church, a handsome municipal building, and many large bodegas or wine-stores. It is the centre of the trade in Sherry (q.v.). The Astaregia of the Romans, it owes its modern name to the Moors, who near by fought a seven days' battle and defeated Roderic, the last of the Goths, in 711. Pop. (1887) 61,708.—(2) XEREZ DE LOS CABALLEROS, 40 miles S. of Badajoz, is a picturesque old town, once a seat of the Templars (hence the name); parts of the castle remain, and much of the old Moorish wall. Pop. 3953.