Conde de Aldama Palo Cortado, Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain

Fortified wine, 50cl. Full bodied 100% Palomino Fino from Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain. 21.5% ABV.

In the late 19th century the Aldama family was among the most prominent in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, with vast vineyards and stock holdings. In 1888 the phylloxera plague was advancing towards the Jerez region and the Conde de Aldama decided to seal his best botas in plaster to protect their value and to prevent their mixture with wines from new, grafted vines. These botas, which were part of a solera started around 1750, remained sealed until their re-opening in 1927. At that time the Aldama heirs were facing bankrupcy as well as personal tragedy and started liquidating their stocks. Until the acquisition by Francisco Yuste in 2001, only the natural evaporation had been replaced, which means the wines were left untouched for almost 120 years. There is an Amontillado ‘Conde de Aldama’ and a Palo Cortado. Both originated in the same solera but some casks saw a slightly different evolution with more traces of Oloroso, hence the classification as a Palo Cortado although they essentially share the same DNA. Their estimated average age is probably well over 100 years (making it one of the oldest available)! As this is much older than the VORS requirement of 30 years, the bodega doesn’t bother getting an official label. Only 8 butts are available of this Palo Cortado ‘Conde de Aldama’ – bottlings are very scarce. And only 300 bottles released each year. This year from the La Guia Vinos Gourmets it was awarded 99/100 points the maximum rating as 100 points the perfect wine is not possible. Up to present day, only 20 wines in Spain ever awarded  the maximum points by the Gourmet Guide.

Dark amber colour with an intensive, very aromatic nose. The palate is concentrated, saline and generous. Works well with flavourful dishes but, due to its complexity, it is even a perfect dessert wine for pastries with almonds and nuts.

Producer Profile Bodegas Yuste

Bodegas Yuste is a family-owned collection of several small wineries located in the historic city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The company was founded in 1991 by Francisco “Paco” Yuste, the owner of a successful sherry distributorship, when he purchased the historic Bodega Santa Ana and its centenarian solera. He later purchased two other Bodegas as well as a production base. The Aurora brand dates back to 1904 when winemaker Pedro Romero named his finest Manzanilla after his wife, Aurora Ambrose Lacave. Upon his early death, Aurora successfully took over the management of the winery whilst caring for her three young children. When Paco purchased the brand, he decided to expand the range beyond Manzanilla to include a full range of great wines from Jerez.