Tradición Fino 12 Años

Tradición Fino 12 Años comes from Bodegas Tradición in Jerez de la Frontera, a house known for its long-aged wines. It is made entirely from Palomino grown on the white albariza soils of the Jerez Marco, chalky earth that holds winter rain deep in the subsoil and reflects heat through the dry summer. After fermentation the wine is fortified to around 15 percent and run into the criaderas and soleras system, where it ages for 12 years beneath a living cap of flor yeast. The flor consumes oxygen, glycerol and acetaldehyde, protecting the wine from oxidation and giving Fino its hallmark green-apple sharpness, bready yeast character and saline grip. Twelve years under veil, against the more usual four to eight, builds unusual depth and a fine bitter-almond note. The bodega makes only two batches of 1500 bottles a year. Pale straw in colour, it is bone dry and savoury, with almond, dough, brine and lemon over a long, clean finish. Serve cold at 7 to 9 degrees in a white-wine glass, freshly opened, as an aperitif or with seafood and dry-cured ham.