A Perfect Autumn Aperitif

… conjuring up an appetite …

If a mild stimulation is required to develop an appetite, then during the autumn months what could be better than a Palo Cortado Sherry?

This ‘hybrid’ of a drink that has the dry, bright acidity and finesse of a fino or amontillado, combined with the nutty, dried fruit and spicy aromas of an oloroso, to create a wine with immense depth, richness and complexity.

Alongside some olives, hazelnuts, Manchego, and walnut infused salchichón, is there a better way to prepare the palate for a feast ahead?

Barbadillo Palo Cortado Criadera Selection ‘En Rama’

The house of Barbadillo started trading in 1821 and is a large commercial concern producing around 6m bottles of Spanish wine every year. However, amongst that volume they are considered to be a Palo Cortado specialist, often producing less than 1,000 bottles of the Criadera Selection.

The ‘En Rama’ designation is a definition that produces a wine as naturally and authentically as possible: a minimal-intervention approach that tries to capture how the wine tastes straight from the barrel.

Deep amber colour, almost the tone of mahogany. Great depth and complexity on the nose with an abundance of dried, spicy fruits, almonds, and toffee with a hint of orange. Layer after layer on the palate, that sits and sits. Concentration, depth, and perfect balance between salinity, roasted nuts, smoked fruits, citrus and old oak. There is more refinement in this Palo Cortado than wines from other bodegas. It is a rich concoction by any standards, but there is a delicacy and a sense that a considerable amount of work has been deployed to create this excellent wine.

£25.50 - Brindisa