Fernando de Castilla : Classic Manzanilla

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Classic Manzanilla by Fernando de Castilla

Tasting

Appearance
A clear, pale straw colour that reflects its relative youth and the predominance of biological ageing under a veil of flor.

Nose
The nose is smooth, with yeasty notes from the veil of flor and a pronounced salinity reminiscent of sea spray. Hints of green apple and citrus are lifted by nuances of almond.

Palate
The palate is pleasant, light and dry. Lively acidity brings freshness and tension, and the finish is clean and saline, with echoes of apple and hazelnut.

Food pairings and tasting occasions

This Manzanilla pairs beautifully with charcuterie, nuts, olives, seafood and fish. It is ideal as an aperitif, served well chilled at between 5°C and 8°C in a white wine glass so that its aromas can fully express themselves.

An Andalusian Manzanilla with a distinctive salinity

The estate

Founded in 1837 in Jerez de la Frontera, in the heart of the Marco de Jerez, Fernando de Castilla first made its name producing brandies. Since 1999, under Jan Pettersen, it has built a range of Spanish Sherry renowned for its artisanal character. Based in the Barrio de Santiago in Andalusia, this Spanish bodega produces lightly filtered, unblended sherries in two ranges: Classic, a faithful expression of the traditional styles, and Antique, drawn from old soleras aged twenty to thirty years. Under Jan Pettersen, who previously worked for Osborne, Fernando de Castilla keeps the ancestral methods of Sherry alive and has become an international benchmark acclaimed by critics.

The wine

The Classic Manzanilla by Fernando de Castilla belongs to the Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda Denominación de Origen. It is part of the house's Classic range, which is designed as a faithful and instructive expression of the great Sherry styles. Made from 100% Palomino Fino grapes from the Jerez district, the grapes are pressed and the must is fermented in stainless steel tanks.

This Andalusian wine is then taken to Sanlúcar de Barrameda for extended ageing in the traditional solera and criadera system, where a veil of flor forms. Ageing lasts three years on average. This non-vintage wine carries no age statement on the label, in line with the solera system.

Grape variety

Palomino Fino.