González Byass Viña AB Sherry ($24.99)
This Sherry is from Jerez de la Frontera in south-western Spain. It is a city of long-standing wine traditions. All true Sherry fortified wine comes from the vineyards around Jerez de la Frontera and the neighboring towns of Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Together these three form the three points known as the 'Sherry Triangle.’
The Spanish Viña means vineyard and AB refers to Andrés Botaina, the original owner of the vineyard that supplied the grapes.
The Palomino grapes destined for Viña AB begin life as Tío Pepe. Following fermentation to between 11% and 12% alcohol the wine is fortified to 15.5% alcohol and then enters the Solera. The unique temperature and humidity in the Jerez cellars, the 15.5% alcohol and an empty space of 100 liters left in the cask create the perfect conditions to form a layer of yeast known as the ́flor ́ on the surface of the wine. This flor is the most important influence on the Fino wine as it protects it from the oxygen and gives it its unique aroma and character.
The wine remains for a minimum of 4 years following the traditional Solera system under the flor. After this time the wine is moved to the Viña AB Solera where it remains for another 8 years.
This Viña AB Sherry is amber in color, with nut and vanilla aromas. On the palate it’s got a big initial flavor that quickly moves to an easy finish with just a bit of saltiness and bitterness.
Serve this one well chilled with most any light fare. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster on behalf of González Byass