£29.99
Fernando de Castilla Pedro Ximenez Sherry. Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla, situated in the heart of Jerez, has a rich heritage rooted in the Andrada-Vanderwilde family's aristocratic legacy, spanning two centuries of grape and wine provision for sherry production. In 1972, Fernando Andrada-Vanderwilde revamped the company, inheriting old sherry cellars and brandy soleras from local bodegas, leading to the transformation into Fernando de Castilla. In 1999, Jan Pettersen, a seasoned professional with 15 years at Osborne, took the reins, acquiring a neighbouring almacenista and ensuring a consistent supply of premium grapes through a strategic partnership. The focus shifted exclusively to high-end, intricate sherries, propelling the bodega to prominence among independent sherry houses in Jerez.
The company, although producing Sherry Vinegar and brandies, excels in crafting some of Jerez's finest sherries. Divided into Classic and Antique ranges, the Antique series, known for intensely pure and complex single solera Sherries, has been pivotal in establishing Fernando de Castilla as experts in the production and aging of fine, unblended sherries. Notably, their commitment extends to preserving the integrity of their wines, refraining from fining, clarifying, or aggressively filtering any of their exceptional creations.
In a rich, opaque mahogany hue, it beckons with a captivating array of dried fruit fragrances. The nose delights in the intensity of raisins, prunes, and dates, harmoniously intertwined with brown spices, invoking the essence of a festive Christmas cake. The unctuous sweetness seamlessly blends with the profound and intricate flavours, invigorated by a subtle undercurrent of acidity, creating a truly delightful symphony for the palate.