n.v. Bodegas Cesar Florido, Fino, Dry Sherry, Chipiona, Jerez DO, Spain.
This delicate crisp Sherry from Cesar Florido is well worth seeking out, it is a refreshing and complex Fino with plenty of class and character. Bodegas Cesar Florido started in back in 1887 and has mainly been a source of excellent Moscatel medium and sweet sherries, as Chipiona is pretty much all Moscatel, but they do source grapes from the albariza soils of Pago Miraflores, plus Balbaina to make the estate grown dry wines. The Bodega is very close to the sea and has unique ocean influences as well as having a year round Flor, the Fino is from Palomino vines that are close to 20 years old and it has an average Solera of 3 years. The latest Fino from Cesar Florido is bright and subtle with lively citrus, briny sea shore and chalky elements showing dusty dry flavors and plenty of zest, there is just the perfect amount of oxidative nutty notes to go with the fruit, orange, lemon, white peach and pecan lead the way and this is a wonderful sipping sherry, but is delicious with seafood, tapas and cured meats. All of Florido’s sherries are seamless and beautifully crafted rare estate grown and bottled, be sure to look for them.
($14 Est. 375ml-Half Bottle) 90 Points, grapelive
