De Muller Aureo Seco Añejo 1954

Established in 1851 by Don Augusto de Muller and Ruinart de Brimont, Catalan bodega De Muller first made a name as the supplier of Mass wine to the Vatican and the Spanish royal family. But these days its custodians the Martorell family are attracting a new congregation of drinkers with rare and long-aged fortified wines.

Farming a swathe of vineyards spread across Tarragona, Terra Alta, and Priorat, winemaking at De Muller remains loyal to tradition. Wines heavy on Garnacha are aged in old solera systems similar to those used in Jerez and are carefully exposed to oxygen to develop mind-boggling flavours as they slumber in picturesque old cellars.

The Aureo Seco Añejo is taken from a solera started in 1954, which is fed with Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca that’s fermented to dryness and fortified to 19% ABV. Deep amber in colour, it shows a complex perfume of dried figs, roasted walnuts, toffee, curry spices, and wood smoke. Bone dry and incredibly long, it stands comparison with a high-quality mature Amontillado, but with lightning bolt freshness.

Enjoy slightly chilled as a head-turning aperitif or pair it with smoked or cured cheeses at the end of your Christmas meal. 93 Points, Wine Advocate