Alvear Fino Sherry

Alvear Fino Sherry hails from the appellation of Montilla-Moriles in Andalucia. The vineyards benefit from the region's hot and dry climate, which imparts distinct flavors and aromas to the wine. The region boasts two very distinct soil types: white ‘albariza or albero’ soils which are very chalky, porous, poor in organic material and produce low yields, and where the grapes are subject to a longer and more balanced ripening process; and ‘ruedo’ soils that are red in colour due to the presence of iron oxides, and which, in contrast, accelerate the ripening process. After the initial vinification process the wines are subject to the miracle known as ‘ageing under a velo de flor’; a natural biological process whereby a cream-coloured cap or ‘velo de flor’ of yeast, indigenous to the region, develops on the top of the wine. The action of the yeast bestows extraordinary aroma and flavour to the wine, which is quite distinct from when it is first produced as a base wine. In order to encourage the development of the native yeast strain optimum temperature and humidity conditions are maintained in the bodega and the wine casks or butts are filled to about five-sixths, leaving enough free space at the top for the ‘velo de flor’ to develop which results in a pale and crisp wine with a delicate and refreshing style.