397: How Does The Solera System Give Every Glass Of Sherry Centuries Of History?
Unreserved Wine TalkShow Notes
How does the Solera system give every glass of sherry centuries of history? How does Sherry's "second terroir" shape the wine just as much as the vineyard itself? Why should every great wine cellar have mature, dry Sherry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ben Howkins, who has just published a new book on Sherry. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.
Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Ben Howkin's terrific book, Sherry: Maligned, Misunderstood, Magnificent! To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights How did Ben win one of the wine world's most prestigious scholarships with a single word? Why does Ben still remember his very first glass of Fino Sherry more than 60 years later? What makes the Solera system one of the most remarkable ageing methods in the wine world? How can every bottle of Sherry contain traces of wines made generations ago? Can the position of a single barrel inside a bodega really change the taste of the wine? What makes old Amontillado sherry such a thrilling wine to taste? Why do the chalky white soils of Jerez have so much in common with Champagne and southern England? What are the key differences between the fortified wines Port and Sherry? How did the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War shape Ben's first impressions of Jerez? What might you be surprised to discover about the world's greatest Sherries? What does "en rama" mean, and why are Sherry lovers so excited whenever they see it on a bottle? Why is Palo Cortado considered the most mysterious style of Sherry?
About Ben Howkins Ben Howkins is widely regarded as the UK's leading writer and expert on port and sherry. In 1963, he became the youngest recipient of the Vintners Scholarship, an experience that took him across Europe's vineyards and helped shape his lifelong passion for wine education, particularly fortified and dessert wines. A prolific author, he has written extensively for both consumer and trade publications. His books include Rich, Rare & Red, Real Men Drink Port… and Ladies Do Too!, Sherry and Adventures in the Wine Trade. He is a member of the Vintners' Company and has lectured for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, where he also served as a Trustee. An international wine judge and public speaker, he has led vineyard tours across Europe and South America and promoted wine globally, including in the USA and China. He is co-founder of the Royal Tokaji Wine Company and a key figure in reviving Tokaji Aszú's global reputation.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/397.
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