Once you have learnt the basics of wine tasting, found on the main page, in this section you can test yourself and learn to distinguish the characteristics of different types of wine. You only have to get hold of the bottles of wine we mention below (we try to recommend wines that economically accessible) and sit in front of your PC with the appropriate glass of wine.
JUNY: A wine highly recommendable for the period.
This month we are beginning to feel the heat and I am going to present you with a wine highly recommendable for the period:

Fino ALVEAR C.B
made by ALVEAR S.A. (D. O Montilla Moriles)
Variety: 100 % Pedro Ximénez
Approximate shop price: 3.55 euro

 

 

 
  In order to make these wines, unique in the world, a white wine is taken as the basis for its preparation, usually of the Palomino or Pedro Ximénez grape variety. Fortified wines normally undergo a process where alcohol is added to raise the percentage of alcohol to approximately 15%. ALVEAR C.B. is unusual in this respect in that its alcohol content has been wholly produced naturally by means of alcoholic fermentation. The white wine is introduced into large Jerez (sherry) barrels (approx. 550 litres capacity), always leaving a part of the vessel (between 10% and 15%) free: without filling up the barrel. Because of ambient conditions: its degree of alcohol and/or due to the cellar yeasts or to the addition of yeast, a layer is created at the surface of the wine known as “velo en flor” (lit. velum in flower) which protects the wine from oxidation and gives it its characteristic aromas and tastes.
These wines have a unique system of stacking barrels for maturing known as criaderas and soleras. The Jerez barrels are placed one on top of the other. In order to bottle the wine, “la saca” (lit. extract) is taken from the bottom layer (solera) of barrels on the floor. In order to refill this bottom layer, wine is siphoned from the layer of barrels above, and so on successively. The layer of barrels at the top will receive the new wine. With this system we manage to achieve a homogenisation of the matured wine (this is why there is no need for a reference to the year).

SIGHT Holding the two wine glasses at the same height, tilt both through 45º against a white, matt background in order to appreciate different shades of colour.
 
On tilting the glass 45º, we will observe a very clear wine with a brilliant pale-straw colour.

SMELL
 
On taking the wine to the nose, the first impression will be a strong one: a potent or very dry, biting sensation. Do not panic! These types of wine have this peculiarity; that is the way they are. And, although the wine has 15% alcohol, you do not notice this as outstanding. On the nose we are also reminded of floral aromas, specifically white flowers.
MOUTH
 

The first impression on the palate is one of dryness, light and tasty, with no acidic sensation, but with bitter hints at the back of the tongue (very typical in this kind of wine). We are reminded of nuts – especially, maybe, of almonds. The aftertaste gives us a freshness, perhaps because the floral hints return - somewhat persistent because of the bitter sensation.
SUMMARY
With this kind of wine (as with many from this region), we have a “magical” wine which is a really great “bargain” for consumers, given its balance between quality and price. These wines are particularly suitable for this summertime period, so we can have it on the terrace as an aperitif (do not forget the ice bucket as this wine should be drunk at 6-8 degrees).
The wine I recommend, the food and good company you will have to provide yourselves!
See you next month.