Barbadillo Palo Cortado “Obispo Gascon”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Palo Cortado sherries are particularly special within the Jerez-Xèrés-Sherry Designation of Origin. This is because despite the fact that production follows the similar physical-chemical process of oxidative ageing as with the olorosos, the result is quite different with their organoleptic characteristics falling somewhere between those of an amontillado and an oloroso.
- Palo Cortado sherry is one of the specialities of Bodegas Barbadillo, and this fragrant version is bottled from the fifth criadera (tier) of their eight criadera solera dedicated to this type of sherry.
Varietal Composition: 100% Palomino Fina
Elaboration: These are wines produced from very fine must, initially fortified to 15% by volume and their casks are marked with a “palo,” or slash. Once the sobretabla stage is completed, if the tasters note the existence of certain very specific characteristics in some of the casks in which the flor has been maintained, they will mark it as a potential Palo Cortado by drawing a horizontal line across the original slash mark. The wine is then again fortified to above 17% by volume, thus redirecting the process of oxidative ageing.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of walnuts, caramel and candied oranges, while its flavours include dried orange peel, brine and bitter chocolate. Tangy, smooth and elegant.
PRESS
NV – 92 Wine Advocate, 91 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 1821, Barbadillo is without question Sanlucar de Barrameda’s most iconic producer of Sherry. The thing we appreciate most about Barbadillo is that they’ve remained staunchly committed to tradition in the face of continued growth – Base wines are all still fermented in house through the company’s network of sixteen historic bodegas and the variety and depth of their soleras is breathtaking. With the Sherry category seeing more excitement than ever before in history, Barbadillo is delivering big time, with a panoply of single vineyard and heirloom releases. From their groundbreaking ‘Solear’ Manzanilla to their almost impossible to procure ‘Reliquia’ series and everything in between, tasting through the Barbadillo lineup is an inspirational and energizing experience.