General Description: Palomino Fino is a white grape variety best known as the principal grape used in the production of Sherry, a fortified wine from the Jerez region in Andalusia, Spain. The grape thrives in the region’s unique albariza soil, a white, chalky soil that helps retain moisture during the hot, dry summers. While Palomino Fino produces relatively neutral wines with modest acidity and alcohol when vinified on its own, it serves as an ideal canvas for the development of Sherry’s complex flavour through the processes of fortification and ageing under flor (a layer of yeast that develops on the surface of the wine in certain styles of Sherry).
Primary Flavours:
- In its unfortified state, Palomino Fino expresses subtle notes of:
- Almonds
- Green apples
- Yeast (in the context of Sherry production)
- Bread dough
- The variety’s character is largely influenced by vinification and aging processes, particularly in Sherry production, where the wine acquires flavors from biological aging (under flor) or oxidative aging.
Taste Profile:
- Sweet-Dry: Dry in its base form, but Sherry can range from dry (Fino, Manzanilla) to very sweet (Pedro Ximénez, Cream Sherry), depending on the style and blending.
- Body: Light to medium body
- Tannins: N/A (as it is a white wine)
- Acidity: Low to medium
- ABV range: Typically 10% to 12% before fortification; Sherry ranges from 15% to over 20% after fortification.
Handling:
- Base wines made from Palomino Fino are best served chilled, at about 6°C to 8°C.
- Serving temperatures for Sherry vary by style: Finos and Manzanillas are best enjoyed well chilled, while richer, oxidative styles like Olorosos are served slightly warmer.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
- Dry Sherries (Fino, Manzanilla) are excellent with tapas, seafood, and salty snacks due to their crispness and salinity.
- Amontillado and Oloroso Sherries, with their nutty and complex flavors, pair well with hard cheeses, soups, and meat dishes.
- Sweet Sherries are a classic match for desserts, particularly those featuring nuts, caramel, or dried fruits.
Palomino Fino’s versatility in Sherry production showcases the grape’s unique ability to transform through the winemaking process, offering a wide range of flavours and styles to explore.