Bodegas Valdespino Inocente Fino Sherry 375ml
Pairs with: Jamón Ibérico, salted almonds, green olives, fresh oysters, grilled sardines, or garlic-heavy tapas like gambas al ajillo
Good for: Introducing a true wine lover to the absolute peak of traditional, bone-dry Spanish Sherry, or pairing with incredibly challenging, salty, and savory foods
Grape: 100% Palomino Fino
I am from: Jerez D.O., Andalusia, Spain (Sourced exclusively from the renowned, high-altitude Macharnudo Alto vineyard)
The Story: Bodegas Valdespino is one of the oldest and most legendary houses in Jerez, with roots stretching all the way back to the 13th century. "Inocente" is their undisputed flagship, and it is a fascinating rebel in the modern Sherry world because it stubbornly refuses to cut corners. While almost all modern Fino Sherries are fermented in stainless steel tanks, Inocente is the last remaining Fino to be fermented entirely in traditional American oak casks using wild yeasts. Even wilder: while standard Finos are aged for just 2 to 3 years across a few barrel rows, Inocente travels through a massive 10-row system (criaderas) under a living blanket of yeast (flor) for over 8 years.
Why You'll Love Me: Forget any notions of sticky-sweet holiday dessert Sherry—this is fiercely bone-dry, razor-sharp, and spectacularly complex. It pours a brilliant pale-gold color, erupting with a pungent, fascinating bouquet of salted almonds, wild chamomile, green olives, warm chalk dust, and a distinct, bready note from its years under the flor. On the palate, it delivers an unexpected, oily fullness and a deep, savory volume that is instantly cut by a lip-smacking, oceanic salinity. It finishes incredibly long with an elegant hint of grapefruit zest and a subtle, appealingly bitter, stone-dry crunch that leaves your mouth watering for food.
I am from: Jerez D.O., Andalusia, Spain (Sourced exclusively from the renowned, high-altitude Macharnudo Alto vineyard)
The Story: Bodegas Valdespino is one of the oldest and most legendary houses in Jerez, with roots stretching all the way back to the 13th century. "Inocente" is their undisputed flagship, and it is a fascinating rebel in the modern Sherry world because it stubbornly refuses to cut corners. While almost all modern Fino Sherries are fermented in stainless steel tanks, Inocente is the last remaining Fino to be fermented entirely in traditional American oak casks using wild yeasts. Even wilder: while standard Finos are aged for just 2 to 3 years across a few barrel rows, Inocente travels through a massive 10-row system (criaderas) under a living blanket of yeast (flor) for over 8 years.
Why You'll Love Me: Forget any notions of sticky-sweet holiday dessert Sherry—this is fiercely bone-dry, razor-sharp, and spectacularly complex. It pours a brilliant pale-gold color, erupting with a pungent, fascinating bouquet of salted almonds, wild chamomile, green olives, warm chalk dust, and a distinct, bready note from its years under the flor. On the palate, it delivers an unexpected, oily fullness and a deep, savory volume that is instantly cut by a lip-smacking, oceanic salinity. It finishes incredibly long with an elegant hint of grapefruit zest and a subtle, appealingly bitter, stone-dry crunch that leaves your mouth watering for food.
