NV El Maestro Sierra Oloroso (750ml)
WINEMAKER: Doña Pilar Pla Pechovierto REGION: Jerez, SP VARIETY: Palomino VITICULTURE: Sustainable
El Maestro Sierra’s Oloroso undergoes a very gradual, oxidative ageing process, which results in a powerful wine when it is eventually released at least 15 years of age. Fortified to 18% ABV (alcohol by volume) immediately after primary fermentation, it’s then transferred to a solera of American oak casks, some of which are over a hundred years old. Like all the El Maestro Sierra wines, Oloroso is bottled en rama: with minimal fining or filtration. Oloroso shows notes of wood varnish, treacle, honeycomb and hazelnut on a dry but slightly oily palate.
El Maestro Sierra only began bottling in the last 20 years, but its history dates back to 1832. It was founded by José Antonio Sierra, a master carpenter responsible for building barrels for all the major sherry houses. Recognised as one of the top coopers of his time, in 1832 he set about building a small winery with the aim of making the best sherries possible. The industry at the time was dominated by nobility and an upstart tradie like José was quite unwelcome. Despite his hostile neighbours, José established himself as one of the top stockholders (almacenistas) of high quality Jerez sherry.