You guessed it, I forgot to take a picture of this one while still live so have had to edit the skyline shot (not for the first time). Anyway, it is another wine I have tried before – the Socaire 2014 – a 100% palomino fino from my favourite corner of Chiclana that has spent a full 24 months in an old bota that had been used for the Fino Arroyuelo. Apparently the name Socaire means a shelter from the wind, and refers to the breezy conditions up on Finca Matalian, which is near to the sea but a good 100 metres above sea level.

This one was brought to dinner at Territorio ERA by the maker himself and it was a rare chance to try it alongside a couple of other palominos (including its sibling, the Viña Matalian), as well as some wines from Jura, Arbois and the like.

And it must be said it stood up pretty well against all comers on the night, with loads of fino like character on the nose, the fruit/herb of the palomino added to a bit of almond and a more pronounced minerality on the palate and a nice fresh finish.

A really nice wine by any standards.