Palo Cortado 18%, Bodegas Velez

Appearance

Deepish amber with old gold highlights.

Nose

Forthcoming with savoury and slightly saline aromas of toasted nuts, tobacco and dead autumn leaves. There is little sign of the wine having had flor, and it is more on the Oloroso side of things. It is fairly young and at an attractive stage of development with subtle hints of finesse to come.

Palate

Quite full at first but gets lighter and really quite elegant and beautifully rounded as it opens out on the palate thanks to some some glycerine which gives an early impression of sweetness, but which gradually seems to disappear leaving an attractive dry, light, slightly saline finish, and there is virtually no tannin. It has a fair bit of charm and is dangerously easy to drink.

Comments

Bodegas Velez were established in 1857 in Chiclana which is in the Production Zone and truly deserve to be better known. Naturally they have old soleras, and they produce some excellent wines, and this Palo Cortado is one of them. It comes from a solera established in 1891 and interestingly the wine is a selection from butts in the Amontillado solera which have developed more Oloroso-like characteristics as the wine ages.

Price

9.50, De Albariza

26.5.16 Chiclana Feria: Chiclana Wine

Chiclana’s annual Feria de San Antonio will take place 8-12 June at the Las Albinas del Torno fairground. There will be one unusual feature which is that the Town Council will give grants to those casetas observing certain local regulations and serving only wine produced in Chiclana, which is in the Sherry production zone. A formula has been established whereby 3 euros per litre, 2 euros per bottle and 1 euro per half bottle will be paid, but subject to a maximum payment according to the size of the caseta. Naturally proof will be required. The council says that “We are aware that we have excellent wines, and this initiative is the best way of defending and promoting our local identity.”