Oloroso Tradición VORS

Oloroso Tradición VORS is made by Bodegas Tradición in Jerez from a single grape, Palomino Fino, grown on the albariza chalk soils that ripen the fruit while holding its acidity through the Andalusian summer. An Oloroso is fortified from the start above the level at which flor yeast can survive, so the wine never grows a veil and ages oxidatively for its entire life, in direct contact with air through the cask. Tradición holds it for 45 years in soleras dating back to the 18th century, and the VORS designation certifies an average age beyond 30 years. Across those decades the slow oxidation converts alcohol to acetaldehyde and concentrates the wine through evaporation, building a mahogany colour with chestnut and coppery edges and a dense, velvety texture. Only around 5,000 bottles are made each year. It is round and full-bodied yet retains its elegance, showing walnut, hazelnut and dried fig over balsamic and leather, finishing long, dry and saline. Serve at around 14 degrees in a copita.