Sandeman Character Medium Dry Amontillado Sherry N.V.

The dry base wine is produced from Palomino grapes grown in vineyards located in the best areas of the Jerez demarcated region. The ‘albariza’ soils here are composed of 80% chalk as well as magnesium and clay. Deep channels are often dug into the soil between the vines in the winter to capture and retain rainwater to sustain them through the hot Jerezano summers, during which temperatures can exceed 38°C. The majority of Pedro Ximénez grapes come from the Montilla-Moriles region, which is hotter and less humid than Jerez. The Pedro Ximénez grapes are raisined in the sun before they are vinified. The evaporation of water from the grapes concentrates the sugars, acids and flavours. When these raisins are pressed, an intense and concentrated juice is yielded which can take many months to ferment given the high sugar content.

The Palomino grapes are fermented into a dry base wine before being fortified to around 15% and entering the Solera system. A layer of flor yeast develops on the surface of the wine, protecting it from oxygen and allowing the wine to age biologically. Later, the wine is re-fortified to 17.5% - this extra alcohol kills the flor and the wine becomes exposed to oxygen, allowing it to develop complex notes of dried fruits and roasted nuts. The wine is aged in the solera system for an average of nine years, and is sweetened with a small proportion of Pedro Ximénez wine to add richness and weight.