Toro Albalá Poley Fino del Lagar en Rama Solera 10 Años

Toro de Albalá works in the DO Montilla-Moriles, the Andalusian region whose hot, dry continental climate and chalky albero soils give wines a natural kinship with Jerez. This Poley Fino del Lagar is made from Pedro Ximénez, the local grape, vinified dry and aged ten years in criaderas and soleras under a veil of flor. The flor is the key: the living yeast film consumes sugar, alcohol and oxygen, leaving the wine bone dry and protecting it from browning while autolysis of the spent cells adds bready, nutty depth. Ten years under flor is long for a fino and builds real concentration and intensity. The wine is bottled en rama, drawn from the butt with minimal filtration so it keeps more aroma and texture than a standard fino. The colour is straw yellow with golden-green reflections. The nose is pungent and sharp, with almond, fresh dough and chamomile. The palate is dry, taut and saline, with green apple, lemon and a long, mineral finish. Serve well chilled at 7 to 9 degrees in a white-wine glass. It is built for the table: fried fish, shellfish and olives.