Rey Fernando de Castilla, Amontillado Classic NV

Producer: Rey Fernando de Castilla
Region:  El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain
Varietals: Palomino Fino
Viticulture: Sustainable
Category: Fortified Wine, Sherry
Size: 375ml

Widely recognized as one of the most exceptional of the small, independent sherry houses, Rey Fernando de Castilla was founded in 1837 by a family named Andrada-Vanderwilde. 

The production of this dry Amontillado follows the traditional methods, so it starts life as a Fino sherry. After 3 years under flor yeasts at 15%, it is re-fortified to 17% abv and introduced to the Amontillado solera. The flor disappears and the wine is exposed to air. It spends approximately 5 years in this solera.

Nose: it tends towards the oxidative side, with a lot of toffee and hazelnut aromas. Hints of mushrooms. Burnt caramel. Then brighter golden raisins and orange peels. A subtle trace of yeast and salty air but the biological side is in the background. A light coppery touch as well.

Mouth: dry with a nice acidity and a citrusy sparkle. Then almonds and hazelnuts come out, as well as a hint of roasted coffee beans and old wood. A few drops of olive brine give it a light coastal edge. Otherwise it is rather on the ‘brown’ side of the spectrum.