We are extremely pleases to be able to offer some of Bodegas
Gonzalez Byass’ classic sherries in 375 ml bottle format. It is a shame that sherry has become one of
the most neglected or forgotten of the world’s most wonderful wines
styles. Port also has seen a decline in
sales, and it reflects the general trend towards lighter, fresher and simpler,
fine ideals in their own right, but it means that the incomparable complexities
and satisfaction that only fortified wines can deliver is being missed
out. In Spain
and Portugal,
there has been a resurgence of table wine production, which fits in with the
modern world. The sherry producers are
increasingly offering their great wines in 375 ml bottles, to allow greater
accessibility to the wines in terms of quantity to purchase, freshness of stock
and pricing. We at Regional applaud this
approach and have been increasing our sherry range in this size bottle with
success.
Gonzalez Byass, famous for its number one in the world ‘Tio
Pepe’ Fino, produces an amazing array of sherries including the very old, rare
and expensive treasures, such as the ‘Del Duque’ Amontillado, ‘Apostles’ Palo
Cortado and ‘Matusalem’ Oloroso which many of our sherry aficionados are
familiar with. Newly arrived are the
following classic solera sherries in 375 ml format that offer great value:
Gonzalez Byass ‘Tio
Pepe’ Fino
Arguably the world’s best-loved Fino sherry, always fresh and
dependable, due to its unequalled turn-around time. Made from 100% Palomino, grown on the chalky
Albariza soils in the Jerez Superior area at the heart of the ‘Sherry
Triangle’. Bone dry, with a modest 15.0%
alc., ‘Tio Pepe’ like most finos and manzanillas, and contrary to general
perception, is no more ‘spirity’ than many modern white table wines. ‘Tio Pepe’ spends on average 5 years under the
influence of the flor yeast, following the criaderas and solera system. Pale in colour, this has the distinctive
yeasty, bready, almondy tang which makes fino so suited to canapés and
tapas. Crisp, and possessing great
‘cut’, the flavours are distinctive and intense. Seafood dishes, especially caviar, oysters
and anchovies are a classic match.
Gonzalez Byass
‘Alfonso; Dry Oloroso
Owning over 800 hectares and with 400 ha on long term
contracts, Gonzalez Byass accesses around 10% of the DO vineyards and is thus
one of the most significant producers of sherry. The Palomino vines harvested average an
amazing 20 years and are responsible for the depth of the house’s quality. The ‘Alfonso’ at 18.0% alc., is all Palomino,
and spends on average 8 years in the solera system. Dry with less than 4 g/l rs, the ‘Alfonso’ is
remarkably versatile with a range of rich foods, especially game, and will be a
good foil for lighter cheeses. Deep
mahogany in colour, the ‘Alfonso’ exudes warmth and spiciness on a full palate
enhanced by complexing nutty notes.
Gonzalez Byass ‘Solera
1847’ Oloroso Dulce
This ‘sweet cream’ sherry is the antithesis of the cheap and
sugary copies that have degraded the name of sherry. Exquisitely rich, yet fine and possessing a
marvelous balance that leaves an impression of velvet, the ‘Solera 1847’ is
class. With the concentrated flavours of
sweet raisins and figs, with a touch of nuttiness, the 
18.0% alc. Gives it the
strength to accompany richer cheeses, patés, fruit cake, and desserts such as
sticky toffee pudding and ice creams.
Made from 75% Palomino and 25% Pedro Ximinez which are vinified
separately, the PX undergoing the ‘soleo’ drying process, the blended wine
underwent an average maturation of 8 years in the Solera 1847. A consistent award winner, gold recently at
the 2008 Mundus Vini.
Gonzalez Byass ‘Nectar’
Pedre Ximinez
The Gonzalez family have the famous Javier Sanz as
Technical Director , and he leads Jose Manuel Pinedo as Production Manager of
Jerez Wines and Antonio Flores as Master Blender with Luis Trillo as the Brandy
Master Distiller, all key to the making of the wines. The ‘Nectar’ is made from 100% Pedro Ximinez
sun-dried and partially fermented to 15.5% alc. and a sticky 370 g/l rs. It spends an average of 9 years in solera
before release. An intense ebony in
colour, this is a decadent, naturally sweet wine with complex flavours of
caramel, dried fruits, figs, mocha and spices.
Chilled, it will match chocolate, ice cream and sweet puddings.