César Florido was founded in 1887 and is currently maintained by César Florido, a fifth-generation descendant of the founder. The winery is the oldest bodega in the town of Chipiona, located five miles from Sanlúcar de Barrameda along the road which continues to Rota. César Florido is one of only two bodegas in Chipiona that are still operating outside of the cooperative.
En rama refers specifically to the seasonal release of specially selected unfiltered fino and manzanilla – the “biologically aged” sherry. Fino and manzanilla sherries are fortified only to around 15% alcohol, which allows a layer of living yeast, known as flor, to develop on the surface of the wines as they mature in barrel (hence the term “biological aging). In addition to imparting tell-tale briny and saline aromas and flavours, with a characteristic biscuit-y yeastiness, this protective film also protects the wine from being exposed to air or slows down the oxidative process. The result is the palest, freshest, and driest style of sherry.
The Palamino grapes for this Fino en Rama come from the prestigous Miraflores vineyard near Sanlucar de Barrameda. The wine is aged in soleras housed in the Cherra cellars only 25 metres from the Atlantic ocean. Smooth, fresh and with a savoury saline character, this genuine Fino en Rama is bottled straight from a single cask, one of omnly 1200 half bottles made each year.
