Though it’s been at the center of Spanish wine production for over 3,000 years, few wines are as misunderstood or as under appreciated as Sherry. This fortified white from Southern Spain (Sherry is an anglicization of Jerez) is like no other in the world, and because it is so different it often confuses and confounds. The key to coming to terms with Sherry is understanding that it is actually a broad category of wine that encompasses many different styles, from light, dry and delicate to full, sweet and rich. The lighter, drier style includes Sherries labeled as Fino or Manzanilla. Of course, we’d be amiss if we couldn’t offer up a perfect example of one like J.C. Gutierrez Colosia “Juan Sebastian Elcano” Fino Sherry NV.

Named after the the first man to sail around the world (many forget that Magellan died mid-voyage), this Sherry is produced by a small winery located in the seaside town of El Puerto de Santa Maria. The winery was founded in 1838 and for much of its existence sold its wines to some of the larger Sherry houses for blending. In 1997, Juan Carlos Gutierrez started estate-bottling his own wines and the results have been stunning.

Like all Finos, this one spends time aging in a series of old, neutral barrels called Solera. Here the wine rests under a blanket-like layer of yeast called flor; the flor protects the wine from oxidation which is why this wine is fresh as can be even after four years of aging. Furthermore, this Bodega enjoys a unique microclimate — it is the only one located along the Guadalete River — and this is integral in the slow, steady maturation of this electrifying white.

At once, a perfect aperitif and accompaniment to tapas (we love it with Marcona almonds, olives and shrimp), this wine is the best enjoyed well-chilled. Its briny, mineral-driven core refreshes and invigorates. Sure, it might also have you daydreaming of beautiful Andalucia, but when you come to you’ll be happy to have a glass in hand.

J.C. Gutierrez Colosia “Juan Sebastian Elcano” Fino Sherry NV
$16

For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.

All photography by Scott Rosenbaum.