Bodega Alvear - Montilla-Moriles 'Oloroso Asuncion' NV

The Alvear family has its roots in the mountains of Burgos, dating back to the early 16th century. After relocating from Rioja to Montilla, just south of Cordoba, in the late 17th century, Juan Bautista García de Alvear y Garnica married a Cordobese noblewoman, and several years later, the couple had their first son, Diego de Alvear y Escalera, the founder of Bodegas Alvear in 1729. Over the course of the following decades, Diego and his son Santiago became some of the largest landholders in the city, and the bodega began exporting to England in the late 19th century. One of Diego's most famous heirs was Diego de Alvear y Ponce de León, who combined his winemaking career with a successful military and political career, establishing the family's political roots in Argentina.

Alvear is Spain's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery and the oldest winery in Andalucía, making them the oldest company for the production of vinos generosos or "sherry style" wines in Spain. The family's rich history and the founding of their bodega almost 300 years ago make them one of Spain's most historic families.

This is a classic Oloroso, which is produced from Pedro Ximénez base wine fermented to 15% in tinaja. After winter, wines are classified for aging and subsequently fortified (to prevent the growth of flor), before being submitted to an average of 30 years of ageing in the system of soleras & criaderas. Before being racked to barrel, the wine is sweetened (10 g/L) with PX sweet wine, to provide a gentle roundness on the palate to balance this Oloroso's powerful profile on the palate.

“A burnished orange-meets-tawny color and lively aromas of caramel and apricot get this oloroso off to a fine start. A richly intense palate with bold acidity offers plenty of depth, while toasty flavors of coffee and walnuts finish with notes of chocolate and café latte. Overall, this is stylish and a cut above.” - 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast 

Producer: Bodega Alvear

Country: Spain

Region: Andalucia

Varietal: Pedro Ximénez

Appellation: Montilla-Moriles

Vintage: NV

Size: 750ml