Álvaro Domecq Fino La Janda

Bodegas Álvaro Domecq is one of the older houses of the Marco de Jerez, and La Janda is its Fino, named after one of the family horses in the winery's equestrian collection. It is made from Palomino grown on the albariza chalk soils around Jerez, fortified to 15 percent and aged for seven years under flor in sherry butts. The flor is a film of yeast that grows across the surface of the wine, sealing it from air and feeding on alcohol while shedding acetaldehyde and other compounds that give Fino its sharp, saline and almond like character. Because the wine ages biologically rather than oxidatively, it keeps its pale colour and bright, dry profile. The albariza holds winter rain deep in the soil and reflects sunlight, helping the Palomino ripen evenly in a hot climate. It pours pale gold and bright, with a strong, sharp nose of almond and a green vegetal note. The palate is bone dry and clean, light bodied with a saline cut and a brisk finish. Serve well chilled at around 7 to 9 degrees. It suits shellfish, fried fish and salted snacks.