Williams Colección de Añadas Fino en Rama 2015

Williams & Humbert, founded in 1877 and among the longest-standing houses in Jerez de la Frontera, release this Fino en Rama as part of their Colección de Añadas, a vintage-dated range. It is made from Palomino grown on the albariza chalk of the Jerez countryside, where the white soil retains winter rain and reflects the sun to ripen the grapes through the dry summer. After fortification the wine aged for seven years in the criaderas and soleras system, the cascade of casks through which Sherry is fractionally blended and matured. Throughout, it remained under a veil of flor yeast, ageing biologically: the flor feeds on oxygen and acetaldehyde, keeping the wine pale and adding the saline, bready, nutty character of Fino. Seven years under flor is long for the style and builds extra depth and a hint of dried-fruit complexity while the wine stays bone dry. Bottled en rama, taken from the cask with minimal filtering, it keeps more texture and aroma. Expect a pale colour, a nose of almond, hazelnut, fresh dough and sea air, and a dry, saline, layered palate. Serve well chilled at around 9C in a white wine glass. It suits seafood and savoury tapas.