Valdespino Fino Inocente

Valdespino is among the oldest houses in Jerez, a long-standing reference for traditional Sherry ageing and now part of Grupo Estévez. Fino Inocente is made from Palomino, historically tied to the single Inocente vineyard on albariza chalk soil in the Jerez Superior zone, where the bright, lime-rich earth reflects sunlight and holds moisture through the dry summer. The wine is fermented dry, lightly fortified to around 15 per cent so the flor can survive, and aged about ten years in the criaderas and soleras. That is a long span for a Fino: the veil of flor protects the wine from air and consumes its glycerine and acetaldehyde, keeping it bone dry and saline while the extended ageing builds a deeper, nuttier complexity than a young Fino shows. The colour is pale gold, the nose intense, with dried fruit and nuts over a chalky, mineral background. The palate is fresh, dry and persistent, finishing long and saline. Serve well chilled at around 7 to 9 degrees in a white wine glass, ideally from a freshly opened bottle.