J.M. Rivero, Jerez

History

The history of this company dates back to the 17th century. The Rivero family has documents dating back to 1653 that show that Pedro Alonso Cabeza de Aranda y Zarco was already in the wine business. His initials CZ were to become the first ever Sherry brand, although they were also used to denote the fine horses and cattle he bred.

Pedro Alonso was succeeded by a son, Antonio Cabeza de Aranda y Guzman, who was ennobled in 1755 as Marques de Montana. He went into business with Francisco Antonio de la Tixera and the business was renamed Cabeza y Tixera. He continued the business after the death of Antonio Cabeza.

The company was very successful even during the 19th century.

When Francisco died, the business passed to his daughter and her husband Joaquin Maria Rivera y Gonzalez. In 1895, the business name of the company changed to JM Rivero y Cia. The managing partners were Tomas and Federico Rivero O'Neale, the father and uncle of another Joaquin Maria Rivero.

Joaquin Maria led the company until the end, which occurred when the company was sold in 1991. The famous CZ brand disappeared in 1994. Apparently Rivero was sold to Aceite Carbonell in Córdoba and later to Antonio Nuñez.