Medium Dry Sherry - Emilio Hidalgo

Medium Dry Sherry - Emilio HidalgoThe Medium Dry of Emilio Hidalgo is an amber-colored semi-dry sherry from the grape varieties Palomino (93%), Pedro Ximénez (7%). On the nose, this sherry indulges with an elegant bouquet of plums, almonds, walnuts and honey, as well as some caramel. This wine flatters the palate with an elegant, mild flavor of almonds and hazelnuts that holds a subtle residual sweetness. This is a complex and versatile sherry with a delicately spicy, long finish. Vinification of Hidalgo Medium Dry The hand-harvested grapes are destemmed, gently pressed and the resulting must is fermented in stainless steel tanks under temperature control. The young wine is then drawn off, fortified and placed in American oak barrels for initial aging. The barrels are only filled to a certain extent (maximum 85%) so that the characteristic flor (a layer of yeast) can develop, which seals the wine airtight and gives it the sherry-specific aroma. Once the wine has matured, it is transferred to the traditional solera system, in which sherries of the same type are aged in barrels placed one above the other. The oldest wines are stored in the lower barrels (solera), while the youngest wines are stored in the upper rows (criaderas). The sherry intended for sale is always taken from the lower barrels. However, only a small part (maximum one third) is taken and the removed part is then filled up with sherry from the upper rows. The whole principle is continued until the topmost barrels, where young wine, mosto, is added to the sherry. In the solera, the amontillado loses its flor and the oxidative aging process begins. During this phase it develops its aromatic richness and the strong color. Food recommendation for the Medium Dry Emilio Hidalgo This medium dry sherry can be enjoyed slightly chilled as an animating aperitif, but it is also versatile and enjoyable as a refined companion to appetizers such as an artichoke omelet or mushrooms with chorizo.