MANZANILLA DELICIOSA, Valdespino. Sherry (Half Bottle)

Sherry comes from Jerez in south west Spain but Manzanilla comes specifically from the small coastal town of Sanlucar. One is supposed to detect a ‘salty tang’ in a good Manzanilla. This may be partly folklore, but it’s true that this has a delicacy and zesty freshness beyond what you would find in a standard Fino (from Jerez).

100% Palomino, aged for five years under a rather bizarre blanket of yeast (called ‘Flor’) that preserves freshness whilst also imparting that unique, zingy, dry-sherry-ish taste.

Valdespino has been a famous name in Jerez for centuries, and has been owned by the Estevez family since 1999. They are one of the few sherry houses to own almost all their own vineyards. This obviously gives them full quality control from start to finish of the product. This wine comes entirely from the single vineyard (Pago) de Miraflores, in Sanlucar.

Drink as young as possibly and finish within 2 days of opening the bottle.

Perfect example of an under-appreciated classic. Maybe you to have been there to really love it. In the dusty sunshine, with a bowl of olives and a siesta beckoning after lunch, nothing beats the midday glass of Manzanilla.

Dry sherry is a great food wine – especially for prawns, sardines, fresh anchovies and mackerel. Serve very cold.