Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego
An Orange fortified wine, dry and complex, with notes of dried fruits, toffee, and leather, perfect with cheese
Valdespino Amontillado `Tio Diego` Jerez DO, Spain, is an exquisite Orange fortified wine, dry in style. Crafted from Palomino grapes, it undergoes a unique vinification process, fermenting in American oak barrels before extensive biological and oxidative ageing in a solera system for over 20 years. This results in a complex profile of yeast, dried fruits, toffee, caramel, and leather, balanced by a generous body and well-integrated acidity. This vegan and vegetarian-friendly Sherry is perfect with cured meats, mature cheeses, or as a sophisticated aperitif.
75.0CL , 18.0% ABV , Vintage:
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in 600 litre American oak barrels. The fermentation temperature is controlled by not filling the barrels completely, then adding cooled grape must when necessary, to moderate the temperature. Once fermentation is finished, when 13% alcohol is reached, the wine is fortified to 15% and the veil of 'flor' (yeast) appears on the wine's surface, protecting it from oxygen and transforming its components. The new wine 'Sobretabla' spends one year in barrel before being transferred to the 'Solera of Tio Diego' for fractional blending. It spends eight to ten years ageing biologically, during which time around 50% of the flor dies. The wine evolves naturally into oxidative ageing as the Flor dies off (there is no extra fortification to 18%). It achieves a higher strength by concentration and evaporation up to 18%. The average age of the final Sherry is over 20 years at the time of bottling.
Flavour profile
This exquisite Orange fortified wine offers a complex bouquet of yeast, bread, dried fruits, toffee, caramel, and leather. On the palate, it is very dry and complex, with a generous body and well-balanced acidity, echoing the rich aromatic profile.
Serving recommendation
Serve slightly chilled at 12-14°C. No decanting needed.