Toro Albala Fino en Rama Bombilla Electrico NV (1x75cl)

This originates from the chalky vineyards of the Montiles Alto district, considered the area's top-quality zone. It's a fino that differs from its Jerez counterparts on two counts. Firstly, it is made from 100% Pedro Ximénez, the dominant grape variety in Montilla-Moriles. Importantly, unlike its Atlantic-influenced brethren in the west, the musts are not fortified. PX is prone to high levels of ripeness, a fact assisted by Montilla's warm, inland climate. The grapes from these sun-drenched chalky slopes - whose soils remain very similar to Jerez and Sanlúcar's albariza - do not struggle to ripen their grapes to potential alcohol levels of 15%, making fortification unnecessary. The Montilla-Moriles terroir also produces a finer, less intense covering of flor than what is commonly found in Jerez.

What we have here is a quality Montilla fino that combines breadth and power with a unique spicy character and underlying saline intensity. To add some extra descriptors to our introductory text - there's pastry and brine notes as well as citrus pith, almond meal, ripe, red apple skin characters as well as a delicate dried herb edge. In the mouth it's both textural and zesty with a savoury, mouth-watering freshness, excellent balance across the palate and a tangy, briny finish. The 375 is a wonderful value while the 750ml Bombilla would look great on any bar. Anything that might attract people to sherry, we're up for, and this new bottling is guaranteed to get people's attention.