Fino (Cruz Conde)

A dry ‘Fino natural’ made from PX grapes in Montilla-Moriles

We make a small excursion to the neighbouring D.O. Montilla-Moriles and try the basic Fino from Bodegas Cruz Conde. This dry Fino is made from 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes and aged for about 5 years under a layer of flor.

On the label it says ‘Fino natural muy seco’. Indeed it is made without fortication – one of the big differences with a common Fino from Jerez.

Conde Cruz also have another Fino 1902 that is matured in their subterranean cellar, as well as a Fino Moriles Tercia.

Fino Natural (15%, Cruz Conde)

Very light, pale colour. Nose: not the most intense nose, a bit quiet but with nice notes of yeast and lemons. Hints of breadcrumbs and a little green olive. A very light earthy touch as well.

Mouth: again a little light and shy. Almond notes, zesty lemon, green apple. After that it switches towards olive brine and bitter notes, leaving us with a very dry aftertaste. Subtle flor. Bitter almonds in the finish.

Availability: not easy to find around here. I ordered it from Spain for around € 4. Closer to € 8 in other parts of Europe. It also exists in 5l and 15l ‘bag in box’ packagings.

Summary: A light, inoffensive Fino with fairly low complexity. On the palate it evolves towards bitterness, making it very refreshing. An entry-level Fino with an attractive price.

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Tags: 15%, cruz conde, Fino, Montilla-Moriles

About the Author

Ruben is a Certified Sherry Educator who fell in love with sherry some 25 years ago, but switched to a higher gear in 2013 and started writing about it. Lived in Madrid for a couple of years, now back in Belgium. I also run a whisky blog over at www.whiskynotes.be