Valdespino is one of the most treasured Sherries. El Candado is made from Pedro Ximenez grapes which once harvested are left out in the sunshine for at least two weeks. The grapes dehydrate naturally, absorbing the unique and unmistakable flavours of the Mediterranean sun as they turn into raisins. The sugar levels rise, and through the Solera and Criadera maturation system the wine produced is of an intense mahogany colour with an aroma of raisins. On the palate it is rich velvety and very smooth with a long aftertaste.

$3799each $453DOZEN EACH DOZEN Valdespino utilizes the unique and remarkable Solera method which guarantees consistency and quality in a fortified wine that carries no vintage. The Sherry cases are stacked in rows 'Criaderos' and are then replenished as they mature over many years with younger wines. This continues down the chain until the bottom row of casks known as the Solera is reached. It is from this Solera that the wine is extracted for bottling. Oxidized and aged for twelve years in casks of American oak before bottling, the Valdespino El Candado is a superb beverage at 18% alcohol.

Colour is an intense and seductive golden mahogany with twilight hints. A very elegant nose of true raisins, figs, muscats and luscious sweet musty grapes. On the palate it is remarkable, complex, rich and velvety. Full of dried fruit flavours and an unparalleled array of familiar dessert flavours. To be enjoyed as a rich aperitif, with sweets or with savoury pastries. Sublime with cheeses or magnificent when poured over ice cream. It cooks beautifully and contributes to brilliant pan dishes or meat glazes.

The family owned winery of Valdespino dates back to early in the 19th Century. They make Sherry from one of the oldest, and most picturesque bodegas in Jerez. Still one of the most traditional Sherry houses, Valdespino are still fermenting 85% of their wines in wooden casks. This wine is made by macerating and pressing Pedro Ximenez grapes which have first been left to dry in the sun for a couple of weeks. The resulting must is then fortified without fermentation and aged unblended in barrels for years before entering the Solera process.

$2799each $333DOZEN EACH DOZEN A layer of yeast known as Flor covers the surface of the wine inside the cask which gives Sherry it's unique properties. When the level of alcohol is above 17% the Flor does not grow and the wine slowly oxidizes giving Sherry its unique colour and body. Valdespino wines are full of character, each having an individual style and flavour, blended from different barrels as the winemakers search for the best balance.

Colour is an aged clear yellow brown, very dark in colour (hence ‘Black' Sherry), with a green tinge from extended barrel ageing. The bouquet is one of intense sultanas which drives the palate delivering mellow sunburnt and sweet grape characters. A heavy-weight, sweet dessert fortified wine, dense with a very powerful assault on the palate. Darkly raisiny with hints of licorice and more. Long-lasting aftertaste and wonderfully mature, complex, hints. Very pleasing and luscious.