Fino Sherry is a unique and fascinating style of fortified wine produced in the Jerez region of Spain. Here's a breakdown of its production process:
1. Grape Selection:
- Palomino Fino: Fino Sherry is primarily made from the Palomino Fino grape, which is known for its high acidity and low sugar content. This is crucial for the development of the "flor," a unique layer of yeast that forms on the surface of the wine during aging.
2. Fermentation:
- The grapes are carefully pressed, and the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks.
- Fermentation is typically halted before all the sugars are converted to alcohol, resulting in a base wine with a slightly higher sugar content.
3. Fortification:
- Once fermentation is complete, the wine is fortified with a small amount of grape spirit (alcohol). This raises the alcohol content to around 15-15.5%, which is crucial for the development of the "flor."
4. Biological Aging Under Flor:
- This is the most distinctive step in Fino Sherry production. The fortified wine is transferred to oak barrels and left to age in a unique environment with high humidity.
- A layer of yeast, known as "flor," develops on the surface of the wine. This delicate veil of yeast protects the wine from oxidation and imparts unique flavours.
- The flor feeds on the small amount of residual sugar in the wine, creating a slow, oxidative process that develops the characteristic nutty, yeasty, and savoury flavours of Fino Sherry.
5. Solera System:
- Fino Sherry is aged using the "solera system," a unique method of blending wines of different ages.
- Wine is drawn from the oldest barrels (the "solera") and replaced with wine from younger barrels. This process continues down the line, ensuring a consistent style and quality over time.
6. Bottling:
- Once the desired level of aging and flavor development is achieved, the Fino Sherry is bottled and ready to be enjoyed.
Key Characteristics of Fino Sherry:
- Dry and Light: Fino Sherry is known for its dry, crisp, and refreshing character.
- Nutty and Yeasty: The influence of the "flor" imparts nutty, yeasty, and savoury flavours, often described as having a "bread dough" or "almond" character.
- High Acidity: Fino Sherry has a vibrant acidity that balances the nutty flavours.
- Light Yellow Colour: It has a pale yellow or straw colour.
Fino Sherry is a unique and complex wine with a long and storied history. The combination of the Palomino grape, the "flor" yeast, and the Solera system creates a truly distinctive and elegant style of fortified wine.
