Fino En Rama

D.O. Montilla-Moriles

The winery is located in Montilla. The vineyards are located on the hills of the Sierra de Montilla.

100% Pedro Ximénez, whose historical origins lie along the Rhine river in Germany.

The Alvear family owns 310 acres (125 Ha.) of vineyards located in the most famous pagos of la Sierra de Montilla, Moriles, and Las Puentes. The Alvear family also works with viticulturists that have traditional, long lasting relationships with the family.

All before 1990.

The primary vineyard is situated on the Alvear family estate. The location of the family’s Lagar de las Puentes, located inside the family’s vineyard, ensures that the grapes arrive to the processing facilities in optimal conditions.

Albariza. Rich in calcium carbonate, with the soil and subsoil composed of soft marlstone, a type of soil composed mostly of limestone and mud. These soils are poor in organic matter, infertile, of a simple mineral composition, with a crumbly consistency.

Continental. Very long, arid summers, and relatively short and mild winters.

The Pedro Ximénez grapes are pressed in a pneumatic membrane press, and the temperature controlled fermentation takes place first in stainless steel, and is completed in concrete tanks. Due to the abundance of natural sugars that are accumulated during the ripening process, the wine will reach 15% alcohol naturally, without the necessity of adding any extra alcohol. This is the key to Alvear’s Fino and Amontillado, and the intensity of their Oloroso.

The wine is transferred to 512L American oak barrels for several years. In the case of Alvear’s Fino en Rama, the participation of indigenous, wild yeast is fundamental, as they form a lightly colored film on the surface of the wine in barrel called “velo en flor.” The barrels are only filled 2/3 of the total volume, and the humidity and temperature of the cellar are closely controlled, to promote the development of the flor. The flor is responsible for developing characteristic aromatics and flavors. “En Rama” refers to the fact that the wine is unblended, unstabilized, and is aged statically in barrel, not in a solera.

Alvear Fino en Rama is the first ever single vintage Fino produced in Spain. For more detail on the winemaking and ageing process, please read the winery page.