Palo Cortado Wellington, Vinicola Hidalgo NV

Bodegas Hidalgo was established by the Hidalgo family in 1792 and is still owned and run by the eighth generation today. At present, they use only grapes grown in their own vineyards to make their wines. Palo Cortado is an unusual wine, in that it first ages as a Manzanilla, under a film of yeast which protects it from oxygen, but spontaneously it loses that film, allowing the wine to mature oxidatively at the end of the 20 year ageing process. Thus, the freshness of Manzanilla and the complexity of dry Amontillado are combined. Nearly 200 years ago, when the French occupied Jerez, this sherry was sold to British troops under the name “Wellington”. The 1st Duke of Wellington`s portrait continues to be used on the label today. The aromas of this wine are stunningly complex and vibrant, with notes of salty, roasted nuts, orange blossom and smoke. Palate is full bodied, rich and rounded, the finish being beautifully long. This is a great, dry sherry – “drink this with anything that walks,” recommends Fermin Hidalgo. Its rich, intense, dry style lends itself well to richer dishes of game or mushrooms, or well-aged hard cheeses.