# Vintry's Blend of Amontillado (Non-Vintage (NV))

- **Producer:** José Estévez
- **Colour:** other
- **Type:** fortified
- **Grapes:** Palomino Fino
- **Region:** Andalucía, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 18.5%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grape, pastry, biscuit, bread, dried apricot, hazelnut, almond, orange marmalade, chocolate, coffee, caramel, walnut

## About this wine

Vintry's Blend of Amontillado is a non-vintage fortified wine from José Estévez, a historic producer in the Jerez region of Andalusia, Spain. The wine is crafted primarily from the Palomino Fino grape. José Estévez is recognized as the largest grape grower in the Sherry region, emphasizing the importance of its vineyard origins. The production utilizes the traditional Solera system, a method of fractional blending that ensures consistency and complexity in the final wine. The brand 'Vintry's' is owned by Altia Sweden, with José Estévez managing the production.

## Interesting facts

- José Estévez is the largest grape grower in the Sherry region.
- The Solera system ensures consistency across vintages.
- This wine undergoes a dual aging process: first under flor, then oxidative.
- Sherry production is a protected designation of origin (D.O.) from Spain.

## Food pairing

The medium-dry character and lively acidity of this Amontillado cut through richness and fat, making it an excellent companion for pâtés, creamy dishes, and cheeses. Its nutty and savory notes complement charcuterie and roasted elements.

## Wine making process

The production of Vintry's Blend of Amontillado begins with the fermentation of Palomino Fino grapes in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The resulting wine is fortified to 15% ABV with grape spirit. It then undergoes an initial aging period of 2.5 years as a Fino under *flor* to prevent oxidation. Subsequently, the alcohol is raised to 17.5% to initiate oxidative aging, developing the Amontillado character. The entire aging process takes place in American oak barrels using the traditional Solera system, a method of fractional blending that involves drawing wine from barrels of different ages to maintain consistency and complexity.