Valdespino Single Vineyard Inocente Fino Dry N.V.

In the already traditional Jerez, with its historical bodegas and rich family trees, Valdespino is still a very traditional house compared to other bodegas, known for its historical background and traditional way of working. For example, the fermentation of the Fino still uses large traditional oak casks, while almost everyone has switched to the use of stainless steel fermentation tanks. Like no other, it is realized that long ripening is essential for making quality sherry. A good Fino sherry matures for about seven or eight years before it has the properties that make this wine so beautifully salty and spicy. At Valdespino, the Fino is a wine with a lot of personality. And like the Fino, each of the sherrys of this house has its own personality, its own character, whether it be the Oloroso, the Amontillado or the Pedro Ximenez.

The base of the wines of this family business, which is led by Don Miguel Valdespino, lies in the 100 ha of own vineyards. The most famous is the 87 hectare Inocente vineyard, which is located in the Carrascal district. This vineyard is fully planted with the high-quality Palomino Fino grape, and forms the basis of the Fino that bears the name of the vineyard. An important quality factor in this vineyard is the age of the vines, which for the most part exceeds thirty years. Older canes provide wine with more character and concentration. Grapes are only purchased from other companies for some basic cherries.

After picking, the grapes are transferred to one of the company's historic bodegas. The most beautiful is located in the heart of Jerez de la Frontera: the Inocente bodega, located in an old monastery. A bodega where not much has changed since the 18th century. Anyone who is here will taste the special historic atmosphere of this unique sherry company. One does not wish to make concessions to modern times here. Valdespino wants to remain a traditionally operating sherry company, and assumes that there will always be enthusiasts who understand that nothing is more important than the quality of the wine.

The sun is so strong and hot that the grape is roasted on the plant and ripens like warm fruit in an oven pie. Well, not exactly the conditions for wines with freshness and finesse. And yet……  a comparison of the hot Jerez and, for example, the cool Champagne region goes a long way. Both regions are known for their wines that derive a unique character from their pronounced limestone soils, and long traditional treatments. Sherry and Champagne  are both white wines from white soils and are prized for their appetizing character. The Jerez region is located in the extreme south of Spain between the cities of Cádiz and Seville. An area where the temperature rises so high during the day that most of life takes place during the evening and night.

History

The Jerez wine region, also known as the Sherry Triangle, has a rich and centuries-long history in wine production. Viticulture in the Jerez region dates back to ancient times, with evidence of grape growing and wine production dating back to Phoenician and Greek settlements.

Today, Jerez is the origin of some of the world's most celebrated Sherry wines, including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez. The Jerez wine region remains a leading name in the wine world, attracting wine lovers from all over the world who want to experience the rich history and unique flavors of Sherry wines.

Sherry

Wines from Jerez, also known as Sherry wines, are one of the most iconic and respected wine styles in the world.

Fino: Fino is a dry and light Sherry with a pale golden color. It is aged under a layer of flor, a natural yeast that protects the wine against oxidation. This gives Fino its characteristic fresh, salty and almond-like taste. Fino is an excellent aperitif and goes well with seafood, olives and nuts.

Manzanilla: Manzanilla is a subcategory of Fino and is produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, close to the sea. This gives Manzanilla an even more intense salty taste and a very dry character. It is perfect to combine with fresh fish and shellfish.

Amontillado: Amontillado starts out as a Fino or Manzanilla but later undergoes a different aging process. This allows it to develop a complex flavor with nutty, caramel-like notes and a slightly deeper color. Amontillado goes well with fried dishes, mushrooms and mature cheeses.

Oloroso: Oloroso is a full and dry Sherry with a deep amber hue. Unlike Fino and Manzanilla, Oloroso is not protected by flor and undergoes longer oxidative aging. This gives it a rich, nutty flavor with notes of dried fruit and herbs. Oloroso is great with grilled meats and stews.

Palo Cortado: This Sherry starts out as a Fino or Amontillado, but unexpectedly develops into a wine that combines the properties of both Oloroso and Amontillado. Palo Cortado has a complex flavor profile with nutty, spicy and fruity elements.

Pedro Ximénez (PX): PX is a sweet Sherry made from the grape variety of the same name. This Sherry has a thick, syrupy texture and is bursting with sweet flavors such as raisins, dates and caramel. PX is often a dessert wine that goes well with chocolate desserts and blue cheeses.

Sherries are also often aged in American oak barrels, which adds additional dimensions of flavor. The diversity and complexity of Sherry wines from Jerez make them an interesting choice for wine lovers and an excellent accompaniment to various types of dishes, from starters to desserts.

Andalucía, a region in southern Spain, is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its wines. While it might not be as famous as some other Spanish wine regions like Rioja or Ribera del Duero, Andalucía has a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to ancient times.

More information about Andulucía

Geography

Andalucía is the southernmost region of Spain, and it encompasses a wide range of geographic features, from coastal areas along the Mediterranean Sea to mountainous terrain. The climate varies from Mediterranean along the coast to continental and even arid further inland, creating diverse conditions for grape cultivation.

Wine Styles

Andalucía is perhaps best known for its production of Sherry, a fortified wine with a unique aging process. The town of Jerez de la Frontera is the heart of the Sherry production area. The region also produces other wine styles, including red, white, and sparkling wines. Andalucían red wines are often made from grapes like Tempranillo and Garnacha, while white wines are crafted from grapes such as Pedro Ximénez. There's a growing interest in the production of quality table wines in Andalucía, particularly in areas like Málaga and Sierras de Málaga.

Sherry Production

Sherry is a distinct type of fortified wine made primarily from Palomino grapes. It undergoes a unique aging process known as the solera system, which involves fractional blending of older and younger wines. Sherry comes in various styles, including Fino (dry and light), Manzanilla (a type of Fino produced near the coast), Amontillado (dry and nutty), Oloroso (rich and full-bodied), and Pedro Ximénez (sweet and luscious), among others. Sherry is typically enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine and pairs well with a wide range of Spanish dishes.

Pedro Ximénez

Pedro Ximénez (PX) is a white grape variety widely grown in Andalucía, especially in the Montilla-Moriles and Jerez regions. It is known for its role in producing intensely sweet wines, including the famous Pedro Ximénez Sherry. These wines are dark, syrupy, and loaded with flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and molasses.

Montilla-Moriles

Montilla-Moriles is a region within Andalucía, known for its production of Pedro Ximénez wines. The subregion's climate and soil are particularly well-suited for the growth of this grape variety. Wines from Montilla-Moriles range from dry Fino and Amontillado styles to luscious sweet Pedro Ximénez. Andalucía is a captivating wine region that offers a diverse array of wine styles, with Sherry and Pedro Ximénez wines standing out as some of the most iconic and distinctive Spanish wines. Whether you're sipping a crisp Fino or indulging in a sweet Pedro Ximénez, Andalucía has something to satisfy every palate.

What grapes are used in Andulícia:

Andalucía, is known for its diverse grape cultivation and wine production. Various grape varieties are used to craft a wide range of wine styles in this region. Here are some of the key grape varieties grown and used in Andalucía:

Palomino Fino: The Palomino Fino grape is the primary variety used in the production of Sherry wines, especially in the Jerez region. It is a white grape that gives rise to a range of Sherry styles, from the dry and delicate Fino to the rich and nutty Oloroso.

Pedro Ximénez (PX): This white grape variety is crucial in producing intensely sweet and syrupy wines, such as Pedro Ximénez Sherry. These wines are known for their rich flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and molasses.

Moscatel (Muscat): Moscatel is grown in various areas of Andalucía, including Málaga, and is used to make sweet and aromatic wines. Moscatel wines are often characterized by their floral and fruity aromas.

Garnacha (Grenache): The Garnacha grape, both in its red and white forms, is cultivated in parts of Andalucía and contributes to the production of red and white wines. In some subregions, it is used to make both still and fortified wines.

Tempranillo: Tempranillo is a versatile red grape variety planted in Andalucía, particularly in areas like Sierras de Málaga. It is used to make red wines and, in some instances, contributes to the production of blended wines.

Chardonnay: In recent years, Chardonnay has been planted in some vineyards in Andalucía, particularly in the region's quest to produce high-quality table wines. Chardonnay wines from Andalucía tend to be full-bodied and rich.

Syrah: Syrah, a popular red grape variety, has also found its place in some Andalucían vineyards. It contributes to the production of both varietal and blended red wines.

Merlot: Merlot is another red grape variety that can be found in certain areas of Andalucía, used to craft red wines that are smooth and approachable.

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated in some vineyards in Andalucía and used for the production of white wines that are crisp, fresh, and aromatic.

It's worth noting that the wine styles in Andalucía vary significantly, from the renowned Sherry wines of Jerez to the sweet wines of Málaga and Montilla-Moriles. The diversity of grape varieties grown in the region allows for an exciting array of wine choices, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.