González Byass ‘Leonor’ Palo Cortado 12 Year Old Sherry

One of the oldest wineries in Spain, González Byass have been family-owned for their entire history – nearly 200 years. In keeping with the theme, winemaking is treated with the same respect for ancestral tradition. Current sherry master Antonio Flores, who was born just above the cellars, succeeded his father in the role and his daughter Silvia is set to take over next. Palomino grapes are harvested from chalk soils in the best pagos of Carrascal and Machamudo before being fermented, fortified and aged for 12 years in the typical solera system. Palo Cortado is an intermediate type of sherry with the aromatics of an Amontillado but the oxidative taste of an Oloroso. We like to think of it as a lightweight, delicate Oloroso. Expect a mix of hazelnut, bitter orange and mature oak notes – and rich, toasty flavours. Try it with chicken or pork, or cured Spanish hams and cheese.