Valdespino Amontillado Tío Diego

Valdespino is among the oldest wineries in Jerez, with a family history of vine growing and sherry ageing reaching back centuries, and is a reference point for traditional methods. Tio Diego is an Amontillado made from Palomino grown on albariza chalk. Like all Amontillado it starts as a Fino under flor, the yeast veil protecting it and feeding on its alcohol, before the flor dies and the wine is refortified to age oxidatively. This combination of biological then oxidative ageing, here across eight years in solera, gives the style its dual character, the slow contact with air concentrating the wine and converting alcohol to acetaldehyde while fractional blending keeps it consistent. The colour is mahogany. The nose shows toasted dry fruits and nuts with hints of caramel over old oak and a touch of leather. The palate is dry, balanced and ample, savoury rather than sweet, with the nutty depth of oxidative ageing carried by firm acidity to a long finish. Serve at 13 to 14 degrees in a tulip glass to capture the aromatics. It suits savoury cooking, aged cheese and cured meats.