Tio Pepe En Rama Sherry 2019 - Half Bottle 375ml

If Fino Sherry is like the feeling of dipping your toes in a well sanitised swimming pool on the Costa del Sol, Tio Pepe En Rama is like snorkelling across the Gibraltar Straight. We hope, like this Sherry, that simile needs no clarification… On second thought we should probably explain; sometimes you want a dip in a pool, it's safe, refreshing and wholly enjoyable. Yet, on certain occasions, something a little more natural is desired.

En Rama is taken from the centre of the Solera ageing cask, in the middle of spring, when the protective crust of 'flor' is at its thickest and imparts the most flavour. It's then bottled without fining or filtration, so the resulting Sherry is an Atlantic blast of maritime air, lemon zest, yellow apple, salted dough and toasted nuts.

Gonzalez Byass was founded in Jeres in 1835 by Manuel Maria Gonzalez. At the young age of 23 he decided to dedicate himself to the production of Sherries and spirits. In 1844 the first barrels of Tio Pepe were exported to London. Tio Pepe translates as Uncle Jose, so-called because it was Manuel Gonzalez’s Uncle Jose's favourite! In 1855 the company's UK distributor Robert Blake Byass was made partner in order to strengthen the links with the UK, the number one market for Sherry. Nowadays the company is owned by the Gonzalez family, now in its fifth generation.

Antonio Flores has been the Master Blender since 1980. He controls the characteristics of all the wines of the Jerez Cellars and the whole team check each Tio Pepe barrel every three months. Antonio Flores knows the state of each sherry in every single barrel in the bodega, numbering thousands. His father was the winemaker before him and Antonio was even born (and conceived!) in a room upstairs, above the original Tio Pepe cellar.

As soon as the Palomino grapes reach the winery they are gently pressed without crushing the seeds or stems. This must, from the lightest first pressing is fermented into a dry wine, where after it is fortified to 15%. The wine then enters the Tio Pepe solera where it will age for more than four years in American oak barrels. Tio Pepe En Rama is drawn from the centre of the cask and then bottled unfiltered and unclarified.

This En Rama has a pale yellow tone, with olive-green and golden reflections. It is powerfully aromatic with a distinctive ‘flor’ character, intensified by the unrefined nature of the Fino. Aromas of fresh bread and hints of almond are accompanied by savoury flavours and a long, clean citrus finish.

Tio Pepe Fino En Rama is the perfect partner for fish, shellfish, cheese, white meats and tapas.