Williams & Humbert Don Zoilo Amontillado 15 Años

Williams & Humbert is a Jerez house founded in 1877, and Don Zoilo Amontillado 15 Años is one of its flagship dry sherries. The Palomino fruit comes from the historic Añina and Carrascal vineyards of Jerez Superior, planted on albariza, the white chalk soil that reflects sunlight and retains winter moisture deep in the subsoil to carry the vines through a hot, dry summer. The character is shaped by dual ageing. The wine first ages biologically under a veil of flor, the living yeast layer that protects it from air and adds a saline, savoury edge, then loses the flor and continues oxidatively, where slow contact with air through the cask wood builds nutty depth and amber colour. The full cycle runs fifteen years through the criaderas and soleras system, a tiered blending of casks that holds the house style steady. The wine is dry, the residual sugar long since fermented out. The colour sits between old gold and amber. The nose is sharp and complex, with hazelnut, roasted nuts, dried herbs and tobacco. The palate is dry, intense and saline, long and persistent. Serve at 13 to 14 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits aged cheese, mushrooms and cured meats.