Episode 08: Jaime Gil Quarantines with Fino Sherry & Oysters

Sherry is one of the most misunderstood styles of wine. This week, Jaime Gil of Valdespino explains how Sherry is made and why the world should care about it. Along the way, Chris & Jaime discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Andalusia, the tapas bars of Jerez, and the success of En Rama bottlings in the export market.

Jaime Gil is the export manager for Grupo Estévez, the parent company of Valdespino, one of the most prestigious wineries in the Sherry Triangle. Valdespino's prized vineyard, Macharnudo Alto, has belonged to the Bodega since the 13th century and is the source of the winery's signature wines: Fino Inocente and Amontillado Tío Diego. Valdespino is relentlessly traditional, fermenting base wine in cask and fortifying with palomino grape distillate. 

Jaime also oversees Bodegas Hijos de Rainera Pérez Marín, which produces La Guita Manzanilla in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Jaime and Chris first met during harvest in Jerez in 2016 and have collaborated for various sherry events.