In the glass
Aroma: old beeswax, dried orange rind, tobacco, roasted nuts
Palate: walnut oil, bitter caramel, leather, woody spice
VORS Amontillado of exceptional age from Williams & Humbert, minimum 30 years average age. Old beeswax, dried orange rind and tobacco on the nose; walnut oil and leather on the palate.
What it pairs with
-
Whole roasted almonds
The wine's hazelnut and walnut registers mirror roasted almonds classically. -
Aged Manchego or Idiazabal
Very old Amontillado pairs with complex aged Spanish sheep's milk cheeses. -
Mushroom and truffle risotto
Oxidative complexity and dried-herb notes resonate with earthy truffle-mushroom preparations.
How to serve Jalifa Amontillado VORS
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Sherry copita: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Whole roasted almonds, Aged Manchego or Idiazabal, Mushroom and truffle risotto. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Jalifa is Williams & Humbert's VORS Amontillado, sourced from soleras established in the 1930s during the era of Jerez's great merchant families. The name Jalifa refers to a traditional Moroccan title used for the viceroy of the Spanish protectorate of Morocco, reflecting Jerez's historical trade connections with North Africa.
- 1935 — Jalifa Amontillado solera established at Williams & Humbert
- 2000 — VORS certification conferred by the Consejo Regulador
Facts
- Producer
- Williams & Humbert
- Grapes
- Palomino Fino
- Classification
- DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
- Oak
- American oak butts; VORS certified minimum 30 years average age; dual biological then oxidative ageing
- ABV
- 20.0%
- Price
- €55-90 at retail
- Drinking window
- 0-15 from bottling
- First vintage
- 1935
Frequently asked about Jalifa Amontillado VORS
What does Jalifa Amontillado VORS taste like?
On the nose, old beeswax, dried orange rind, tobacco, roasted nuts. On the palate, walnut oil, bitter caramel, leather, woody spice. Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a very long and dry with persistent hazelnut finish. VORS Amontillado of exceptional age from Williams & Humbert, minimum 30 years average age. Old beeswax, dried orange rind and tobacco on the nose; walnut oil and leather on the palate.
When should I drink Jalifa Amontillado VORS?
Drink 0-15 from bottling. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Jalifa Amontillado VORS?
Whole roasted almonds is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Aged Manchego or Idiazabal and Mushroom and truffle risotto. The wine's hazelnut and walnut registers mirror roasted almonds classically.
What grapes are in Jalifa Amontillado VORS?
The blend is Palomino Fino. The wine is classified as DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry.