Solera

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

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

Spanish term. A method of perpetually ageing wine in a “pyramid” of barrels. Wine for bottling drawn from the bottom layer. The barrels from this layer, are then topped from the next layer up, and so on until the top layer is reached. This layer is topped by fresh wine made that year. The barrels are typically left 5/6ths full. Each layer in a Solera is called a Criadera, or layers. Fino sherries will have 7 criadera, Manzanilla at least 9 and up to 20. Practically, wineries, simply place them in batches representing a criardera rather than building actual solera stacks. The image below shows the basics of how the system works.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Cigliano di Sopra Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Branca 2021

Sangiovese from S.Casciano Val de Pesa UGA, Chianti Classico

Cigliano di Sopra Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Branca 2021

The first wine I tried from the Cigliano di Sopra was the 2021 Classico. It's a bloody tasty expression of Sangiovese. It shows a hell of a lot of comfort and clarity of thought in their winemaking from this young duo. They are at the forefront of a new wave like Carleone pushing hard to drive Chianti to new height. Think harmony, balance, grape first, fun wine. The Riserva is looking very sharp. All of the hallmarks of the Classico levelled up. Old school Chianti Classico Riservas are often ov

Vintage 2021
$152
$145ea in any 3+
$138ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Yarra Yering Dry Red No.2 2019
Seduction by Wine!

Shiraz/Syrah from Yarra Valley, Victoria

Yarra Yering Dry Red No.2 2019

The original Shiraz Viognier blend .. with a spalsh ofMataro! A complex and layered wine; sweet and savoury all at once. The fragrance is melting pot of violets, plums, savoury spices and a whiff of bramble and five spice. Moderate in weight; the summer pudding fruits come in all colours dialling up the flavour interest. There is cigar box and cardamom spice lending intrigue. Firm yet fine tannins ably support the fruit and texture drive the palate. This one is hard to put in a box, there is so

Vintage 2019
$129
$124ea in any 3+
$119ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Fratelli Alessandria Barolo 'Monvigliero' 2019

Nebbiolo from Verduno, Barolo

Fratelli Alessandria Barolo ‘Monvigliero’ 2019

'The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero shows a medium dark garnet appearance with an especially focused quality of fruit. There is wild cherry and Japanese plum, but the Monvigliero cru also delivers crushed rose, earthy iris root, candied orange peel with clove and dustings of black pepper. The wine is exceedingly silky and polished in texture, but its inherent complexity is never diminished. It should be interesting to revisit this bottle after the 10-year mark. This estate was the first to bottle a Mon

Vintage 2019
$295
$285ea in any 3+
$275ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling 2024

Riesling from Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling 2024

Always a favourite! In England they offer tea in the afternoon in the Mosel they offer Kabinett! The 2024 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett is still a little flinty but tender green apple shows through. The palate stays on this beautifully bright side where fruitiness is juicy and tart, but its freshness is absolutely subsumed and intertwined with ripeness. Its beautiful lightness is grounded in slaty stone like a scented breeze. The 2024 is gorgeous.Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous 93 Points

Vintage 2024
$109
$104ea in any 3+
$99ea in any 6+
Add to cart