Bodegas Perez Barquero

Amontillado Sherry

Amontillado Sherry is a renowned style of fortified wine originating from the Jerez region in Andalusia, Spain. It holds a unique and intriguing position among Sherries, bridging the gap between the light, delicate Fino and the rich, robust Oloroso Sherry. Crafted primarily from the Palomino grape, Amontillado undergoes a distinctive ageing process that combines both biological and oxidative methods, resulting in its characteristic complexity and depth. This dual ageing technique imparts a balance of fresh, nutty flavours with richer, more intense notes, making Amontillado a versatile and sophisticated choice for wine enthusiasts.

The production of Amontillado Sherry begins with the fermentation of Palomino grapes, known for their high acidity and neutral flavour profile. Unlike Fino Sherry, aged exclusively under a layer of flor yeast that protects it from oxidation, Amontillado initially follows this biological ageing process. However, the flor begins to weaken or dissipate after a certain period, allowing the wine to transition into oxidative ageing. This shift exposes the wine to oxygen, developing deeper colours and more complex flavours. The ageing is typically carried out in the traditional Solera system, where younger wines are gradually blended with older ones to maintain consistency and enhance complexity over time.

Amontillado Sherry boasts a medium to deep amber hue, reflecting its prolonged exposure to oxygen during the ageing process. Its aroma is a captivating blend of toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and dried fruits, complemented by subtle hints of caramel and vanilla. Amontillado offers a harmonious balance of dryness and richness on the palate, with flavours that echo its aromatic profile. The wine's texture is smooth and velvety, with a lingering finish that showcases its nuanced layers of taste. This complexity makes Amontillado approachable for those new to Sherry and deeply satisfying for seasoned aficionados.

When it comes to food pairings, Amontillado Sherry is a true culinary chameleon. Its balanced profile complements a wide range of dishes, from savoury to slightly sweet. It pairs beautifully with aged cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan, enhancing their rich flavours without overpowering them. Additionally, Amontillado is an excellent match for hearty dishes such as roasted meats, stews, and game, where its depth can stand up to robust flavours. It complements tapas, nuts, and olives for lighter fare, making it a perfect choice for social gatherings and appetisers.

Amontilharmonisery is also significant in Spanish culture and history. Traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, it has become a staple in casual and formal dining settings. The meticulous craftsmanship in its production reflects the rich winemaking heritage of the Jerez region, where generations of vintners have perfected the art of Sherry making. Today, Amontillado continues to be celebrated in Spain and internationally, and it is appreciated for its elegance, versatility, and the sophisticated balance it brings to any dining experience.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez, often abbreviated as PX, is a white grape variety primarily grown in southern Spain, particularly in Andalusia and Montilla-Moriles. It is one of the most important grape varieties for producing sweet, fortified wines known for their intense sweetness and concentrated flavours.

The grapes are highly prized for their ability to produce sweet wines with exceptionally high sugar content. They are typically sun-dried after harvest, a process known as "asoleo" or "soleo," which concentrates the sugars and intensifies the flavours. Afterwards, they are pressed to extract a thick, sweet juice fermented and later fortified with grape spirit to create the famous Pedro Ximénez sweet wines.

The wines are renowned for their unique flavour profile, rich notes of raisins, dried figs, dates, caramel, toffee, and a distinct syrupy texture. They often display a dark mahogany colour and possess an incredible sweetness that makes them ideal as dessert wines or for pairing with chocolates and other sweet treats.

PX wines are often aged using the solera system, a fractional blending method that involves mixing older and younger wines to achieve consistent quality over time. Some of the wines are aged for decades, and their complexity and depth continue to evolve.