Tuesday 26 March 2013

Amontillado Principe de Barbadillo 19.5%, Barbadillo

Appearance
Deepish amber fading through yellowy amber to some green at rim, legs.
Nose
Tangy, slightly saline, hazelnut, old solera barrels, traces of olive, dried fruit, aldehydes, walnut and a slight hint of fat which evolves into that classic Amontillado sweetness, old complex and refined.
Palate
Well rounded but tangy, saline, nutty with traces of acidity and tannin, those crisp Manzanilla characteristics lie just below the calm Amontillado surface. Very complex and interesting with a dry saline, nutty finish with just a trace of caramel.
Comments
Would really accompany food such as cured ham, cured cheese or game. The wine is bottled with about 15 years spent ageing in various bodegas according to its state of maturity, and could only be from Sanlucar what with its salinty and tanginess. It is a real character. The wine comes from the albariza vineyards of Gibalbin and Santa Lucia and is fermented in stainless steel tanks. It is aged for 8 years through 12 criaderas under flor, then a further 7 in 4 criaderas under oxidative ageing in butts which are filled to the brim. Originally the brand was known as "Amontillado del Principe Pio", but "Pio" disappeared somewhere along the line. With the change to the white label in 2016 it is now sold at 12 years old, though this tasting note refers to the older version.
Price
About 18 euros, widely available


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