Fernando de Castilla Classic Amontillado

Tasting Note

An extraordinarily fine, complex and sophisticated drink. Beautiful shining amber colour, fascinatingly complex raisined, nutty, tangy nose and a flavour, flatteringly sweet at first, easing into semi dry at the finish whilst displaying layer upon layer of deliciously plump sensations on the way.

Producer Details

One of the most exceptional of the small, independent sherry houses, Fernando de Castilla was revitalised in 1999 by Jan Pettersen - a Norwegian with a passion for top quality sherry, and 15 years experience at Osborne. After taking over the cellars of the Sherry shipper Jose Bustamante, located next door to the main facilities of Fernando de Castilla, Jan quickly established Fernando de Castilla as masters of the production and ageing of fine, unblended, untreated Sherries.  The bodega's reputation is based on the excellence of the Antique range of intensely pure and complex single solera Sherries whose award winning packaging makes them even more impressive. The Antique Palo Cortado was awarded 'Best Dry Fortified Trophy' at the 2011 New Wave Spanish Wine Awards, whilst the Antique Amontillado scooped the trophy for ‘Dry Fortified over £10’ at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards.

In The Vineyard

Grapes are sourced from Fernando de Castilla's partners vineyards in the Jerez district. The soil type is Albariza. Picking takes place in early September.

In The Winery

This Amontillado began life as a Fino. It spent 3 years under flor yeasts at 15%, but was then re-fortified to 7% abv and introduced to an Amontillado Solera - without flor and therefore exposed to air. It spends approximately 5 years in this solera. The wine is then sweetened slightly with some young Pedro Ximenez to produce an off-dry style.

Food Recommendations

Serve as an aperitif with salted almonds or olives or try with mature cheddar, walnuts or figs.

Awards & Press

NV: International Wine & Spirit Competition 2012 - Silver