The Palomino Fino grape is a well-regarded white wine grape variety, predominantly cultivated in the remarkable vineyards of Southern Spain, specifically in the region of Andalusia. Although it carries Italian connotations in its name, Palomino Fino is quintessentially Iberian, accounting for nearly 95% of the planting in the renowned 'Sherry Triangle', formed by Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María.
This grape variety has acquired an international reputation through its association with Sherry, Spain's iconic and sophisticated fortified wine. Palomino Fino is the key component in all styles of Sherry, except for the sweet 'PX' and 'Moscatel', adorning them with its characteristic flavours. It creates a vast spectrum of dry, amontillado, oloroso, fino Sherries and more, which exhibit a diversity ranging from saline-like dryness to luscious, umami character.
Having a high yield and resistance to diseases, Palomino Fino thrives in the sunshine and chalk-rich soil of Andalusia. It is particularly associated with the special 'albariza' soils, credited for imparting a unique quality and taste to the grapes. Despite the grape itself having modest aromas and subdued fruit flavours, it is often prized for its high glycerol levels, providing a smooth mouthfeel to the wines produced.
However, don't mistake Palomino Fino as a one-trick pony only good for creating fortified wines. The Sherry revolution today also sees the production of 'unfortified' styles, mainly in the form of Palomino Fino table wines. These intriguing, boutique wines convincingly offer the richer texture and nuanced flavour profiles of their fortified cousins, but in a lighter, more approachable style.
Revered as a vital part of the elite league of the world’s greatest white wine grapes, the Palomino Fino grape is truly a gem, helping to cement Spain's impressive winemaking legacy.
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