Valdespino, Oloroso VOS 'Don Gonzalo' (50cl bottle)

Alcohol percentage: 21%

Vegan

Grape variety:
100% Palomino

Producer:
Described by Robert Parker as “The Romanée-Conti of Jerez” Valdespino is one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez, who can trace their history right back to the end of the 13th Century. Today Valdespino is owned by the Estévez family, who purchased the bodega in 1999.

They own 750 hectares of vineyards in Jerez, including the renowned single vineyard of “Macharnudo” Pago. Their Palamino vineyards are all located on the highest grade pure chalk clay and marine fossils soils which absorb and regulate the water supply fantastically well during the dry and scorchingly hot summers. Its friability allows vines roots to extend over 20 feet down to tap into the water table.

Under the control of Technical Director and winemaker Eduardo Ojeda, the wine is made from 100% Palomino grape, fermentation and aging takes place in 600lt used American oak barrels. Following a dry ferment, the wine is fortified from 13% abv to 18%. Its whole life is then spent both aging and with fractional blending in barrel in the Solera. Due to this process and the length of time involved (well over 20 years!) the effect of the evaporation is to raise the abv further to 21% by the time it is bottled. This also intensifies the flavours and aromatics to incredible levels of concentration. It is classified as a VOS (Very Old Sherry) as a result.

The Bottle Shop rating:
Mahogany in colour, with elevated aromas and flavours of toasted almonds and dried stone fruits, and a hint of caramel. There is a touch of residual sugar in the background but still drinks in a dry and ultra tangy style. Again, just made to partner classic tapas dishes, also classic dried and cured hams and salamis.