Montilla is known for grapes that produce some of the world’s finest white and dessert wines. Perhaps the most popular wine from this region is Fino, aptly named as perhaps the most ‘fine’ offering from Montilla.
Fino is a smooth dry, white wine made from Palomino grapes. It’s pale in color, ranging from a pale straw hue to a light gold. It’s known for its aromatic notes of almonds and hazelnuts, tobacco, and yeast that often evoke the flavor of fresh dough and Mediterranean spices. Its naturally saline (salty) profile balances the often sweet nature of Spanish grapes.
This unique flavor profile situates Fino as a popular 'aperitif', or drink that helps stimulate the appetite and accompany food. Its wide flavor profile makes it especially versatile, and is enjoyed as a pairing for many different kinds of food, from salty to sweet, though it’s popularly paired with savory and fatty decadent foods.
Fino is aged using the complex solera y criaderas system that is often used in aging sherry, popular for its ability to balance freshness with maturity. During this process, Fino is aged for two years in American oak barrels under a veil of indigenous yeast called Flor. Flor protects the wine from oxidizing, while infusing distinctive yeasty flavors and reinforcing its dryness. Each year, the system is refreshed with younger wines, evolving as it goes. As Fino ages, some of its bright notes become less sharp and more savory instead.
Fino’s versatile and inviting flavors serve as a reminder to Montilla’s dedication to fine wines that can be enjoyed by casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Perfectly suited as a pairing for a wide range of culinary delights or enjoyed alone, Fino is a must-have addition to any collection.
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