Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino

Jerez DO, Spain

Tio Pepe is the world's most recognisable Fino Sherry — the reference against which all other Finos are measured. Made from Palomino grapes grown in the Jerez albariza soils (chalky white, highly reflective), fortified to 15% ABV, and aged under a continuous layer of flor yeast for at least 4 years. The result: bone dry, pale, nutty-almond, with a clean bitter finish. The global benchmark for aperitif Sherry.

Pairings

• starter: Gazpacho and Fino Sherry share the same Andalusian soul: the tomato-cucumber-olive oil coldness resonates with the wine's crispness; the jamón crumble bridges the saline notes
• aperitif: Tío Pepe and Jamón Ibérico is Spain's most celebrated aperitivo: the Fino's almond character mirrors the Marcona almonds; its salinity contrasts the sweet-saline Jamón fat
• starter: Tio Pepe and salt cod preparations are a classic southern Spanish pairing; the fino's salinity bridges the preserved fish
• aperitif: Gambas al ajillo is the quintessential Spanish tapas. Tio Pepe Fino's almond-dry character and light body pairs classically with shellfish; the garlic and olive oil are lifted by the wine's clean bitterness.
• starter: Fino's white wine-adjacent character (despite fortification) and almond-saline character make it ideal for clam preparations; the wine's freshness prevents the garlic from dominating
• aperitif: Tio Pepe Fino is the definitive Ibérico ham partner; the flor yeast and almond notes of fino match the cured ham perfectly
• starter: Fino's high acidity and saline minerality are a natural match for ceviche's lime-marinated fish; the combination works across cultures as both share cleansing acidity