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?

Giovanni Sordo Barolo 'Rocche di Castiglione' 2016
The Super Stars!

Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo

Giovanni Sordo Barolo ‘Rocche di Castiglione’ 2016

Again a controlled, blockbuster, with layers of dried and fading flowers, tobacco, cranberry and cherry liqueur. Huge, almost sweet palate. Long, but tight and relatively unevolved still, of course. Will be superb again. Such a complete wine yet tightly coiled and the moment, everything in it’s place and place for everything. Incredible tannin profile this year. Such lovely ripe nutty tannins of serious depth. The core of fruit is exceptional and long. Mouth filling, I so want to see a bottle

Vintage 2016
$220
$210ea in any 3+
$200ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Domaine Henri Germain Côte d’Or Blanc 2022

Chardonnay from Meursault, Côte du Beaune

Domaine Henri Germain Côte d’Or Blanc 2022

“Bright and fleshy, the 2022 Bourgogne Côte d'Or offers up aromas of pear, yellow orchard fruit, white flowers and almond paste, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and satiny palate with excellent concentration and cut.” William Kelly, The Wine Advocate 88-90 Points“The 2022 Bourgogne Blanc Côte d'Or is matured entirely in barrel for 12 months and four months in vat. It has a well-defined bouquet with apple blossom, quince and touches of forest floor. The palate is well-

Vintage 2022
$126
$121ea in any 3+
$116ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo 'Monprivato' 2021

Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo

Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo ‘Monprivato’ 2021

’The 2021 Barolo Monprivato is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Crushed flowers, wild red berry, orange peel, mint and white pepper all grace this delicate, nuanced Barolo. The 2021 is naturally an infant, but its balance is sublime. It's one of the most refined young Monprivatos I can remember tasting’Antonio Galloni, Vinous  97 PointsKO 99

Vintage 2021
$880
$860ea in any 3+
$840ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Roda 'I' Blue Note Tempranillo Riserva 2009

Red Blend from Haro, La Rioja

Roda ‘I’ Blue Note Tempranillo Riserva 2009

If 2008 felt cool and Atlantic, the 2009 Roda I could be described as Mediterranean, from a warm and healthy vintage. Here they aim for black fruit character while the regular Roda should show red fruit. The grapes are sourced from over 30-year-old vines and is mostly Tempranillo with some 5% Graciano. It matured in first and second use French oak barrels for 16 months. It's a warm vintage, without reaching the heights of 2011, but there was some stress in the peak of the summer, which in some w

Vintage 2009
$385
$365ea in any 3+
$345ea in any 6+
Add to cart