Valdespino Deliciosa Manzanilla

Valdespino Deliciosa Manzanilla is produced by Valdespino, one of the oldest houses in Jerez and now part of Grupo Estevez, with a winemaking history in the region going back centuries. It is made from Palomino grown on the chalky albariza soils of the Jerez region, pale soils that retain winter rain and reflect light to ripen the grapes evenly through the hot, dry summer. After fortification to around 15 percent the wine ages roughly five years in the criaderas and soleras system in Sanlucar de Barrameda, where the cool Atlantic humidity keeps the flor active. This veil of yeast seals the wine from oxygen and feeds on it, producing the dry, saline and yeasty signature of Manzanilla, with the long solera ageing adding consistency and depth. The colour is golden. The nose is complex, with saline aromas alongside chamomile, almond and a clear bready, bakery note. The palate is dry and savoury, light in body but persistent, with a long mineral, salty finish. Serve well chilled at around 7 to 9 degrees in a white wine glass.