£29.50
A quick bit of History…The bodega takes its name from Alfonso Valdespino, one of 24 knights who fought against the Mors for the city of Jerez with King Alfonso X in 1264. As a reward for his efforts, he was given land that formed the basis of the bodega. (Hence Jerez full name is La Fronterra de Jerez as it became the frontline for the mediveal Christian army!).
Named as ‘Fortified Producer of the Year’ by the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2024, Valdespino are one of very few bodegas currently producing single-vineyard Sherries.
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.
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!
75cl, 18% Vol.
The sherry has a hypnotic amber colour. The nose shows notes of both the biological and oxidative ageing, yeast, bread, but also dried fruits and a hint of toffee, caramel and leather. Very dry, very complex, with a generous body and well balanced acidity.
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