Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño

Lustau is one of the oldest houses in Jerez, and Don Nuño is its flagship Oloroso. It is made from Palomino grown on the albariza soils of the Marco de Jerez, fortified to 20 percent and left almost dry, with only around six grams of residual sugar per litre. At that strength the flor yeast cannot form, so the wine ages oxidatively in American oak for a minimum of two years through the solera. Slow exposure to air converts ethanol into acetaldehyde and concentrates the wine as it evaporates, producing the dark colour, the dried fruit and the nutty, savoury depth of a true Oloroso. The American oak adds a toasted, vanilla edged note over time. It pours a dark mahogany with an orange rim, and the nose is intense, with dried orange, pastry, toasted oak and liquorice. The palate is forceful and powerful, with brandy like richness, firm acidity and real length, all carried in a dry frame. Serve lightly chilled at around 13 to 14 degrees in a white wine glass. It works with hard cheeses, mushrooms and slow cooked pork.