Amontillado Napoleon, Vinicola Hidalgo NV

Bodegas Hidalgo was established by the Hidalgo family in 1792 and is still owned and run by the eighth generation today. At present, they use only grapes grown in their own vineyards to make their wines. Amontillado Seco Napoléon starts life as a Manzanilla, using the traditional solera system. However, certain casks show a richer, nuttier character, and are transferred to a separate solera to age oxidatively, as part of the the Amontillado blend. The name originates from the days of the Peninsula War, when the Hidalgo family sold wine to the French – this wine in particular. Pale mahogany colour, aromas are rich nutty, with notes of orange peel. Palate is medium bodied, dry, and intensely flavoured, finishing with the saltiness we see in Manzanilla (showing its origins). “Drink this with anything that flies,” suggests Fermin Hidalgo, or with cheeses, we suggest.