Amontillado


The unique yeast that grows on top of the sherry protecting it from oxidation.

« Back to Wine Words Index

A Spanish sherry style. Amontillado – Made from Palomino Fino, the balance in of Biological vs Oxidative maturation is dominated by the oxidative side for Amontillado. The name translates to of Montilla, the slightly inland region known best for it’s Pedro Ximénez where the technique for it production of Amontillado originated.

The list of sherry styles below is not exhaustive. It is ordered from freshest and least alcoholic to most developed and alcoholic. The continuum of sub-styles under each is considerable. Variables being, average age, the strength of flor, and, level of oxidation (sometimes determined by the fill height of casks. These limits of each of these factors stretch as you shift from the freshest to most developed styles. A Fino won’t be seen past 6-7 years of age, an Olorosso my stretch to 90 years average age.

Freshest Fino – Manzanilla – Manzanilla Pasada – Amontillado – Palo Cortado – Oloroso – Pedro Ximénez Most Developed

« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Chenin Blanc from Savennières, D'Anjou-Saumur

Thibaud Boudignon Savennières ‘Franc de Pied’ 2022

Hailing from ungrafted vines on the Clos de la Hutte vineyard, the 2022 Savennières Franc de Pied blossoms and expands in the mouth. Massive concentration sits within its delicate core. There's a bright line of citrusy acidity that carries this wine from start to finish with a residual saltiness, leaving you licking the inside of your mouth. It is restrained aromatically, focusing quietly on texture, essence and substance. Drink 2025-2037Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous 97 Points

Vintage 2022
$678
$658ea in any 3+
$638ea in any 6+

Pinot Noir from Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte-de-Nuits

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis ‘Les Blanchards’ 2019

I first tried Hubert Lignier's wines back in the 1990's & have never looked back! "A neighbour of Clos Baulet, this clay terroir at the bottom of a slope gives us more dense, tannic wines. Sometimes austere in its youth, it gradually takes on a fruity character accompanied by smoky or spicy notes." From Laurent Lignier

Vintage 2019
$295
$285ea in any 3+
$275ea in any 6+

Pinot Noir from Bouzy, Montagne de Reims

Champagne Benoît Marguet Bouzy Blanc de Noir Brut Zero Grand Cru 2018

The release of the 2015 saw the Bouzy shift from a Pinot/Chardonnay blend to a 100% Pinot. The fruit is sourced from estate owned vines.The 2015 release was one of my favourity wines from the vintage. I'm looking forward to devouring a bottle of 2018 soon!Striking peach skin color. Wonderfully effusive nose with a wide spectrum of aromas that range from nectarine to orange blossom and wild herbs. Breathtaking interplay of delicate stone fruit character. SP 97 Points

Vintage 2018
$253
$243ea in any 3+
$233ea in any 6+

Shiraz/Syrah from Cornas, Northern Rhône

Auguste Clape Côtes du Rhône 2019

The Côtes du Rhône, is Clape's 3rd wine and includes fruit from 120-year-old vines near St. Peray and declassified Cornas.

Vintage 2019
$133
$128ea in any 3+
$123ea in any 6+