The Palomino
Grape
Best known for its role in the production of Sherry in the Jerez region of Spain, Palomino produces dry, light-bodied wines with a neutral flavor profile, ideal for fortification and aging in the solera system, where it develops the unique characteristics of Sherry.
Palomino
Grape History
The Palomino grape is a white wine grape variety that has a rich history dating back several centuries. Originating in Spain, specifically in the Andalusia region, Palomino grapes have been cultivated and used in winemaking for hundreds of years. The name "Palomino" is believed to be derived from the Spanish word for dove, reflecting the light color of the grape.
One of the most well-known wines made from Palomino grapes is Sherry, a fortified wine produced in the Jerez region of Spain. Palomino grapes are the primary grape used in the production of Sherry, and their high acidity and neutral flavor profile make them ideal for creating the distinctive styles of this unique wine.
Palomino grapes are also used in the production of other white wines, both as a single varietal and in blends. In addition to Spain, Palomino grapes are grown in other wine-producing regions around the world, including California, Australia, and South Africa. However, they are most closely associated with the production of Sherry in Spain.
One interesting fact about Palomino grapes is that they are known for their high yields, making them a popular choice for commercial winemaking. However, this high yield potential can also result in wines that lack complexity and depth, leading some winemakers to experiment with different winemaking techniques to enhance the flavors of wines made from Palomino grapes.
In terms of the future of Palomino grapes, there is ongoing debate within the wine industry about how to best showcase the potential of this grape variety. Some winemakers are focusing on producing high-quality Sherry wines that highlight the unique characteristics of Palomino grapes, while others are exploring new styles and combinations to showcase the versatility of this grape.
Overall, Palomino grapes have a long and storied history in the world of wine, and their future looks bright as winemakers continue to experiment and innovate with this versatile grape variety. With its ability to produce a range of different wine styles, from crisp and dry whites to rich and complex fortified wines, Palomino is sure to remain a key player in the world of winemaking for years to come.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel