Fernando de Castilla Antique Palo Cortado Fortified Wine, 50cL, SpainBy Winebuyers

A fine, rare wine that combines the tangy nuttiness of Amontillado with the smooth, smoky richness of Oloroso in an elegant, complex style. This Palo Cortado is a perfect companion to cured hard cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan. The grapes are sourced from Fernando de Castilla's partner vineyards in the Jerez district, where the Albariza soil and early September picking contribute to the wine's unique character. Only about 1-2% of the grapes pressed for sherry naturally develop into Palo Cortado, a rare variety that initially ages under flor to become a fino or Amontillado, but inexplicably loses its veil of flor and begins aging oxidatively as an Oloroso. The result is a wine with some of the richness of Oloroso and some of the crispness of Amontillado. The name 'Palo Cortado' means 'cut stick,' referring to the mark made on the cask when this style of wine is recognized.