Palomino

Fine Sherry offers some of the wine world's best bargains, and this Manzanilla is no exception! Bodegas Barrero was founded in 1789, making it one of the oldest bodegas still in operation, and is a comparative rarity in this industrialised area - they own their vineyards, barrels and bodega, and the majority of their production goes to restaurants in Seville and its environs.

Manzanilla is the most delicate style of Sherry, aged under a flor of yeast until bottling. It can only be produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, one of the three points of the 'Sherry Triangle', and derives its name from the Spanish term for a camomile infusion. The average age of the base wines for this Manzanilal is an impressive six years -- most are bottled after three -- and it is rich with bready, yeasty aromas alongside the salinity characteristic of this style. 

Tasting Notes : Grilled almonds, baked bread, olives, yeast. Powerful and fresh, but supremely drinkable, and unbelievably complex for the price.

Food Pairing : The perfect aperitif ! It can stand up to strongly-flavoured, salty foods such as almonds, crisps and olives, and is similarly good with a bit of Manchego.