Don Zoilo 12 yo Oloroso Sherry, Williams & Humbert, 19%

Introduction

Don Zoilo 12 Year Old Oloroso is a distinguished sherry that embodies the centuries-old winemaking heritage of Andalusia, Spain. Produced by Williams & Humbert, one of Jerez’s most prestigious bodegas established in 1877, this exceptional Oloroso represents the pinnacle of traditional Spanish fortified wine craftsmanship.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Carefully selected Palomino grapes grown in the chalky albariza soils of Jerez, Spain, known for their excellent mineral content and water retention properties.
• Distillation process: Fermented base wines are fortified with grape spirit to increase alcohol content to 19%, preventing flor yeast formation and allowing oxidative aging.
• Maturation: Aged for 12 years in American oak casks arranged in the traditional solera system, where older sherries gradually blend with younger ones.
• Special techniques: Follows the authentic oxidative aging process characteristic of Oloroso sherries, with no protective flor layer, allowing controlled exposure to oxygen that develops its distinctive rich color and complex flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromas of toasted walnuts, dried figs, and caramelized orange peel, complemented by hints of polished oak, tobacco, and subtle spices.
• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety with concentrated flavors of roasted nuts, dried fruits, toffee, and dark chocolate. Complex layers reveal hints of leather, coffee, and balsamic notes.
• Finish: Long, warm, and persistent with elegant wood notes, a touch of spice, and a characteristic walnut bitterness that balances the natural sweetness.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: 12-14°C (54-57°F)
• Glass recommendation: Traditional copita sherry glass or small white wine glass to concentrate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed as a contemplative sipper before or after meals. Can also be used as a sophisticated ingredient in cocktails like the Sherry Cobbler.
• Food pairings: Excellent with mature cheeses (especially Manchego and blue cheeses), Ibérico ham, roasted nuts, dark chocolate desserts, and game dishes.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 19% ABV
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Country/Region of origin: Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain
• Certifications/Awards: Protected Denomination of Origin (D.O.) Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, multiple gold medals in international wine competitions including the International Wine Challenge.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Don Zoilo 12 Year Old Oloroso represents the pinnacle of sherry craftsmanship, offering complexity and depth that can only be achieved through patient traditional aging methods.

With limited production focused on quality rather than quantity, Don Zoilo stands as a rare example of authentic Oloroso that hasn’t compromised to commercial pressures.

Recognized by master sommeliers and sherry experts as a benchmark Oloroso, it serves as an educational reference point for understanding what truly exceptional sherry should taste like.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Enthusiasts and critics alike consistently award Don Zoilo high ratings, acknowledging its remarkable quality-to-price ratio in the premium sherry category.

Collectors who discover Don Zoilo often commit to keeping it as a staple in their collection, returning to its reliable excellence time after time.

Its consistent reception of gold medals at prestigious competitions reflects the unwavering dedication to quality that Williams & Humbert has maintained through generations of sherry production.

From Jerez to You

By sharing Don Zoilo 12 Year Oloroso with guests, you’re offering them a taste of Spain’s liquid heritage—a gesture that invariably prompts appreciation and memorable conversations.

The warm amber color, inviting aroma, and rich taste create an immediate connection to the sun-drenched landscapes and ancient traditions of Andalusia.

Join the community of discerning sherry enthusiasts who appreciate authentic, traditionally-crafted fortified wines that tell the story of a place and its people—experience Don Zoilo today.