"17 Points, Richard Hemming (jancisrobinson.com): "Bottled 13 Aug 12, as the back label now states. That freshness is really evident - the green apple fruit has never tasted more bright and defined. This is superb, beautifully formed, with everything in the right place. The best high volume production wine in the world?"
Due to the fact that the flor protects Tio Pepe from oxygen it has been able to maintain a pale golden yellow colour. On the nose sharp yet elegant aromas of the yeast from the flor balanced with toasted almond notes typical of the Palomino variety. On the palate completely dry with reminders of almonds. Super fresh with a long and complex finish.
Tio Pepe should be served very chilled to appreciate the full bouquet of aromas. Perfect as an aperitif with olives, Iberian ham and cheese however also ideal for dishes such as seafood and fish. Due to its low levels of acetic acid it matches perfectly with acidic elements such as vinegar. Tio Pepe should be consumed as fresh as possible and also kept well chilled. 100% Palomino Fino"
The founder of Gonzalez Byass, Manuel Maria Gonzalez Angel, named ‘Tio Pepe’ after his ‘Uncle Joe’ who created his pale very dry white wine in 1841. Once in barrel it is aged for a minimum of 5 years in the solera system. A crisp, fresh and uncompromisingly dry Fino - served chilled, straight from the fridge, Tio Pepe is fantastic with food. It has a natural affinity with fish and is perfectly suited to tapas-style dishes such as ham, chorizo, olives and Manchego cheese.
The Palomino grapes destined for Tio Pepe are pressed using pneumatic Wilmes presses therefore obtaining the highest quality must. Only the ‘mosto yema’ the free run and first press must is used for Tio Pepe. Following fermentation to between 11% and 12% alcohol the wine is fortified to 15.5% alcohol and then enters the Tio Pepe solera. Due to the 15.5% alcohol and the unique temperature and humdity in the Jerez cellars a layer of yeast known as the ‘flor’ will form on the surface of the wine. In order for this flor to form properly an empty space of 100 litres is left in the cask. This flor is the most important influence on the Fino wine as it protects it from oxygen and gives it it’s unique aroma and character. The wine remains for a minimum of 4 years following the traditional Solera system under the flor.
