Fino Tío Mateo

Fino Tío Mateo is produced by Marqués del Real Tesoro in Jerez de la Frontera from Palomino Fino grown on the chalky albariza soils of the region. These bright white soils retain winter rain and reflect summer sun, ripening the grape while holding its acidity. After a dry fermentation the wine is lightly fortified to around 15 percent, the level at which a thick veil of flor yeast can grow and survive across the surface of the cask. This flor shields the wine from oxygen and feeds on its alcohol and glycerine, giving the bone-dry, saline, slightly bready character that defines a biological Fino. Five years of fractional ageing through the criaderas and soleras keeps the flor alive and steadily refreshes the wine. It is pale straw in colour with a sharp, clean palate of almond, green apple and fresh dough, finishing dry with a salty tang and a faint bitterness from the yeast. Serve well chilled at around 8 degrees in a copita or white wine glass, ideally as an aperitif or with seafood and olives.