Tio Pepe En Rama 2021 Edition: The new bottling
Like the Swifts returning to Aldeburgh, the new 'saca' or bottling of Tio Pepe 'En Rama' has become one of the signs of approaching summer. Newly arrived from Jerez, this is as fresh as fine sherry gets and you can order yours now for delivery in May.
The literal translation of 'En Rama' is 'on the branch' or 'raw'. It is designed to replicate the experience of tasting sherry straight from the cask, at optimum freshness. Bottled each spring when the growth of flor yeasts are at their most lively, it goes through no clarification or filtration.
Tio Pepe's Fino En Rama was the first to be released, in 2009. It is based on the Rebollo solera, the bodega's first fino solera, established in the 1840’s. Half a storey below ground, the damp, humid conditions are great for good flor coverage. The first ever shipment of Tio Pepe to London was in 1846 and came from these barrels. The current winemaker Antonio Flores was born in the accommodation above the solera (his father was a cellar hand and was living on-site).
Tio Pepe's winemaker Antonio Flores was born above the solera
This solera is fed almost exclusively with fruit from low-yielding old bush trained vines in the Marchanudo Alto. This is the highest and most sought-after terroir in the legendary Marchanudo Pago, harvested by hand and pruned in the traditional vara y pulgar method.
With the wine just bottled, we have yet to taste it. Previous releases have been in the style of a dry Fino, with a saline freshness and wonderfully complex fruit and yeast aromas. To enjoy the freshness of 'En Rama' we recommend drinking within 6 months, but it will age and develop nutty depth over several years.
This is a wonderful drink to enjoy in the summer months and our allocation will sell rapidly, so do order now to avoid disappointment.
Offered duty paid, excluding VAT.
