What is the difference between Amontillado and Oloroso Sherry wine?
Both are sherries from the Jerez region of Spain. Amontillado first ages under flor (a yeast veil, biological ageing) and then continues without it, so it is exposed to oxidation. Oloroso is aged exclusively by oxidation. The sherry regulatory council lists Amontillado as golden to mahogany and nutty, and Oloroso as deepening to intense amber.
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In this article
What is the main difference between Amontillado and Oloroso?
The ageing. The Sherry specification describes Oloroso as a wine of exclusively oxidative ageing after the initial veil of flor is gone. Amontillado has a first phase of biological ageing under flor followed by oxidative ageing.
How do they look and taste?
| Amontillado | Oloroso | |
|---|---|---|
| Ageing | Starts with flor like Fino, then continues without the veil | Exclusively oxidative |
| Color | Golden to mahogany | Starts similar to Fino, deepens toward intense amber |
| Flavor | Nutty, often hazelnut, with spice and wood notes | Nuts, tobacco, spices, leather, exotic woods; powerful, rich texture |
| Usual strength | 17% to 20% ABV | Around 18% to 20% ABV |
Strengths are the council’s “usual” ranges, not exact values for every bottle. Check the label.
Is Oloroso the same as sherry?
Oloroso is one style of sherry. Amontillado is another. The specification also lists Palo Cortado, which is aged predominantly by oxidation.
Where is Oloroso made?
In the Sherry area of Andalusia, Spain, around Jerez de la Frontera. The names Jerez and Sherry are protected designations of origin.
Is Oloroso dry or sweet?
The council page we read does not state a sweetness level for Oloroso or Amontillado, so we cannot say from it. Read the label.
People also ask
Is Oloroso the same as sherry?
Oloroso is a style of sherry, aged exclusively by oxidation after the flor veil is gone, per the Sherry specification.
What color is Amontillado?
The Sherry regulatory council describes Amontillado as golden to mahogany in color.
How strong are Amontillado and Oloroso?
The council says Amontillado is usually 17% to 20% ABV and Oloroso usually around 18% to 20% ABV.
Sources
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