Lustau VORS Amontillado

Lustau, founded in 1896, draws on cellars across the Sherry Triangle and farms Palomino at Viña Montegilillo on white albariza clay, the chalk soil that holds winter rain and reflects sunlight to ripen the grapes evenly in Jerez's hot climate. This VORS Amontillado carries the very old reserve designation, meaning an average of more than thirty years in cask. Amontillado is made in two stages. The wine first ages biologically under flor, gaining the saline, almond character of a Fino, then the flor dies and oxidative ageing follows, deepening the colour and adding nutty, woody and leathery depth. Fortified to around 21 percent for that second phase, it concentrates over decades as slow air contact converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, with the criaderas and soleras holding the style steady. It pours deep amber, with an intense, complex nose led by leather and liquorice over roasted nuts. The palate is dry and vibrant, with a slight salinity and a very long finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 13 to 14 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits hard cheeses, mushrooms and rich savoury dishes.