Next time you plan to enjoy, say, some manchego cheese and mushroom risotto, pull out the Amontillado Viejo del Duque VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) from González Byass to pair up with it.

This delicious tip was provided by Maribel, our private guide at the largest bodega we visited in Jerez, González Byass.  González Byass is part of a huge, global wine empire that ships to virtually every country on the planet.

The solera was started in 1835 with 16 butts that formed the original base of the current solera.

We tasted through 9 sherries with Maribel, including a yeasty, briny Fino En Rama, an Apostoles Palo Cortado (30 yo) laced with orange blossom, salted caramel, cinnamon, raisins and oak, and the profoundly sweet and intense Noé VORS PX (30 yo) with loads of cocoa, coffee, raisin, date and Dutch licorice.

Amontillado is a style that starts out as a Fino and then after about 8 years, the layer of flor that protects the wine from oxidation dies.  The resultant wine turns darker and acquires more complexity and structure.

The Amontillado Del Duque requires special certification from the Consejo Regulador of the DO, is an average of 30 yo, is naturally dry and may not be sweetened.

A deep gold with amber tones, the Amontillado Del Duque has light yeast and seaspray with salted caramel, toasted almond, and toffee notes.  Dried apricot and cinnamon polish up the long and rich finish that ends with walnut and wood.

Absolutely delicious, a smoking deal at only €22, and aged 30 years.

WSET Very Good Plus and the best reason, apart from Maribel, to have visited González Byass in Jerez De La Frontera.