La Guita Manzanilla Pasada en Rama

Bodegas de Hijos de Rainera Pérez Marín, known as La Guita, was founded in Sanlúcar de Barrameda in 1852, the coastal town that gives Manzanilla its name. The wine is made from Palomino grown on albariza chalk, aged biologically in a criaderas and soleras system. Sanlúcar sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, where humid Atlantic air keeps the flor yeast thick and active all year, so the protective veil never breaks. That continuous flor gives Manzanilla its hallmark pale colour, bone dry palate and pronounced saline, chamomile character. This is a Pasada, a Manzanilla aged longer than usual, around ten years under flor, so the veil thins towards the end and a touch of oxidation creeps in, concentrating the wine and adding nutty depth while keeping it bracingly dry. En rama means it is bottled with minimal filtration, preserving more of that flor character. It pours pale straw, with a salty, yeasty nose of almond, chamomile and green apple. The palate is dry, sharp and intensely savoury, with a long saline finish. Serve well chilled in a white wine glass, with fried fish, olives and shellfish.