Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla is located in the historic centre of Jerez. Its story began with the aristocratic Andrada-Vanderwilde family, who for two centuries provided grapes and wine for the production of sherry in the area. In 1972 Fernando Andrada-Vanderwilde took over some old sherry cellars and brandy soleras from a couple of local bodegas, and changed the name of the company from Fernando III to Fernando de Castilla.

In 1999 Jan Pettersen, a Norwegian with 15 years experience at Osborne, bought the company and also acquired a neighbouring almacenista, Jose Bustamente. He also formed a partnership with a local grape grower to ensure consistent supply of high quality grapes, unusual for the smaller bodegas, who usually have to rely on co-operatives. He decided to focus entirely on high-end, complex sherries – in the process upgrading the bodega to one of the most interesting and highly regarded of the small independent sherry houses in Jerez.

Whilst the company also produces Sherry Vinegar, and their own range of brandies, the Sherries produced here are amongst the finest in Jerez – from the pale, dry and elegant fino to the most unique antique wines.

There are two ranges: Classic, and the premium Antique range. It is the excellence of the Antique range of intensely pure and complex single solera Sherries that has largely driven Fernando de Castilla’s reputation as masters in the production and ageing of fine, unblended, untreated Sherries (they do not fine, clarify or aggressively filter any of their wines).

Vineyards

Grapes are sourced from Fernando de Castilla’s partners vineyards in the Jerez district. The soil type is Albariza. Picking takes place in early September.

Vinification

Oloroso typically comes from the second pressing of the grapes or the coarser wines. This wine does not spend any of its life under flor and is fortified in the February after harvest to 18% abv. This is then added to the first Criadera of the Oloroso Solera. The Antique Oloroso is bottled without blending, cold stabilization or filtration of any kind in order to preserve the subtlety, purity and distinctive aromas. On average this wine is 20 years old.

Tasting Notes

Friendly enough to convert most non-sherry drinkers, brilliant enough to wow Sommeliers. Winner of ‘Best Wine of Show’ and ‘Best Dry Fortified’ at the Wines from Spain Awards 2019.

Very pure and classic attributes, fine polished and beautifully crafted. Quite earthy and masculine. Very dry and aromatic with walnut, spices and orange peel notes.

Perfect with hard cheeses or cold meats.