Valdespino Fino ‘Inocente’ (Autumn Batch)

Valdespino Fino Inocente

Producer: Valdespino
Region: Jerez (Sherry), Andalucía, Spain
Appellation: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO
Grape: 100% Palomino Fino
Vineyard: Macharnudo Alto – single vineyard (Grand Cru of Jerez)
Fermentation: In oak casks with native yeasts
Aging: ~10 years under flor in solera system
Style: Dry Sherry (Fino)
Score: 94+ points – Robert Parker (Luis Gutiérrez)

Description

Once likened by critic Luis Gutiérrez (Robert Parker) to the “Domaine de la Romanée-Conti of Jerez”, Valdespino is a benchmark among traditional Sherry producers — combining noble vineyard holdings, centuries of heritage, and unwavering commitment to artisanal methods.

With origins dating back to 1264, the Valdespino family has always placed terroir and tradition above trends. Their Fino Inocente is a textbook example of this philosophy — and an icon of dry Sherry.

Sourced exclusively from the legendary Macharnudo Alto vineyard — a "Grand Cru" of Jerez with pure albariza (chalk) soils — the wine is fermented in oak barrels with native yeasts and then aged under flor for around 10 years, making it one of the few remaining Finos produced by this rare and time-honoured method.

The result is intensely mineral and saline, with aromas of fresh almonds, sea breeze, chamomile and subtle oxidation. On the palate, it is piercing, long and elegant — a wine of vertical precision and rare complexity.

94+ Points – Robert Parker (Luis Gutiérrez)
"All the textbook aromas and flavors are there, coupled with the elegance and mineral intensity the Macharnudo white chalky soils provide. This will have a longer development in bottle."

Suggested Pairings

• Sea urchin and fresh oysters

• Sushi or sashimi

• Salted almonds and anchovies

• Spanish tortilla

• A perfect match for a tapas table