González Byass ‘Alfonso’ Oloroso 8 Year Old Sherry

When it comes to sherry, González Byass are the masters. Their bodega in the southern city of Jerez is one of the oldest in Spain and has been family-owned since day one in 1835. Family still plays a big part here: celebrated winemaker Antonio Flores succeeded his father in the role and his daughter Silvia is being prepped to take over next. Palomino grapes for this Oloroso sherry are hand-harvested from superior chalk soils and go through the signature solera system, where the wine is aged for eight years in American oak to develop oxidative notes. Golden amber in hue, it has intense aromas of hazelnut and walnut, and oak, spice and leather hints. Full flavour, structure and a surprising hint of sweetness on the finish will allow it to pair with everything from meat casseroles to wild mushrooms or cured cheese.