1

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?

Domaine Arnaud Lambert Samur Brézé 'Clos David' 2021
Serious Chenin here. A big jump from the Midi. Lambert appears to be working with a little more phenolic extract adding a playful grip and cleansing astringency. Very complete and flowing. David’s extra time in old oak and a 2nd winter in tank give it harmony and refinement, flowing with a real step up in sophistication.Super zippy, mineral acid with the core of fruit to support it. Building generosity and freshness in the glass on a fine crisp acidity. Heading more strongly down the quinc
$111
$107ea in any 3+
$103ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Sottimano Barbaresco 'Pajorè' 2019

Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Pajorè’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Treiso, Barbaresco

From one of the famed Cru's of the Commune of Treiso, Barbaresco. A classic, superb fruit of depth and considerable length here, backed by long tannins of excellent mouthfeel. Loads going on with darker fruits and an array of complexing earthy, savoury notes, spices and blood orange adding layer after layers of subtle complexity. Plenty in the tank here too. Classic Barbaresco. Wait 5 years before trying.
$166
$159ea in any 3+
$152ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Antoniolo Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2017

Antoniolo Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2017

Nebbiolo | Italy, Alto Piemonte

The Gattinara Riserva has an entrancing set of aromas and flavours, dark fruits, woody herbs, a little savoury and truffly with a top note perfume to round it out. Fresh yet beautifully developed, flowing with generous fruit of a weightless feel. The mouthfeel has a vitalising grip that sits beautifully with juicy, fine acid. Fantastic drinking!It feels like the 2016 with a little extra pop of energy!That my friends is the 3-peat! Antoniolo's Gattinaras from 2015, 2016 & 2017 are
$152
$145ea in any 3+
$138ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Tiberio Montepuliciano d'Abruzzo 'Archivio' 2019
The 2019 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Archivio opens slowly in the glass, darkly intense and youthfully coiled. Swirling brings an aromatic blend of foreign spice, balsam herbs, dried black cherries and lifting shaved pine notes. With its silky textures, this seduces, more lifted and poised than I'd imagined. A core of tart raspberry fruit stains the palate as a web of fine-grained tannins forms toward the close. While structured and dramatically long, the Archivio maintains a lovely harmony, as a bi
$205
$195ea in any 3+
$185ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info