Description
Valdespino is one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez, with a history of Sherry production going back six centuries. Today, they own 750 hectares of vineyards in Jerez, a rarity in this region, allowing them close control over grape quality, resulting in some of the worlds most revered Sherries.
The bodega takes its name from Alfonso Valdespino, one of 24 knights who fought against the Arabs for the city of Jerez with King Alfonso X in 1264. As a reward for his efforts, he was given land that formed the basis of the bodega. Today Valdespino belongs to the Estevez family, who purchased the bodega in 1999.
Named as ‘Fortified Producer of the Year’ by the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2024, Valdespino are one of very few bodegas currently producing single-vineyard Sherries. They are particularly renowned for their VOS (Very Old Sherry) with over 20 years of ageing and VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) with over 30 years of ageing. The Oloroso Solera 1842 VOS, for example, is produced from a solera that was established in the mid-19th century.
The Fino ‘Inocente’, from the Premium collection, is a single-vineyard Sherry made from Valdespino’s acclaimed ‘Marcharnudo Alto’ vineyard, which has been certified organic from the 2022 vintage. It is the only Fino Sherry currently fermented in oak barrels and boasts a solera system with ten ‘criaderas’ (the tiers of barrels), while most Fino Sherries have only three.
Straw yellow in colour. Savoury aromas bread dough, almonds, olives and dried apples dominate on the nose. Bone dry and bracingly refreshing on the palate, with a saline minerality and a long and complex finish.