Palo Cortado Abuelo Diego

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.

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 Alvear family estimates that the wine has been aged for more than 50 years, and it should be noted that no one currently working at the winery participated in the vinification. The oldest members of the house speak of a traditional fino vinification. In those years indigenous yeast was always used.

The Alvear family estimates 50 years. The oldest members of the house believe the wine was aged in the criaderas and soleras system as an amontillado, but due to the specific barrels used and their location in the winery, the wine formed aromatic notes of an Oloroso. This combination of aromatic profiles converts this Palo Cortado into a completely singular wine.

A “Palo Cortado” is an enological rarity, a rare half way point between a fino and an amontillado. It combines the aromatic nose of the amontillados and the full and powerful palate of the old olorosos. Palo Cortado Abuelo Diego comes from a solera from the foundation of the winery, dating back to 1729.