Description
The bodega itself is called San Luis and resides in Sanlúcar de Barrameda near the Guadalquivir River, at sea level. Actually, it was right on the shore until the 18th century, when the sea started to move away. No need to say there is a constant exposure to sea breezes. The bodegas contain about 10,000 botas, many of them over 200 years old. Hidalgo – La Gitana produces about 200,000 cases of sherry and brandy each year. The Amontillado solera, which was founded at the end of the 18th century, is fed with their Manzanilla Pasada Pastrana, one of the fullest and most complex Manzanillas on the market. The barrels in which the flor does not perform well enough are taken out of the solera, fortified again, and aged oxidatively as an Amontillado. The name Napoleon is inspired by the fact that during the Peninsular War (1807-1814), Hidalgo provided wine to the French army under the emperor’s name. However, they didn’t choose the French side: at the same time, they sold wine with a Wellington label to the British forces. You may find a mention of the IWC silver medal on the label. Note that there is also a 40-year-old Amontillado Napoleon VORS. It used to be bottled as ‘Amontillado Viejo’ with a handwritten label, but nowadays it comes in a more minimalist bottle with the Napoleon name. Medium dry with plenty of caramel flavors and nutty notes, as well as a background fruitiness. 17.5% ABV. Vegan & Organic.
