Amontillado is best described as what?

• A. A Fino sherry that has been left in cask for additional aging and develops a rich, nutty character. Minimum 3 years in Solera, 3 years in cask.
• B. A sweet sherry from Pedro Ximenez
• C. A dessert wine from Jerez
• D. A fortified wine from Madeira

Answer: (A)

Amontillado represents a shift from the dry, pale Fino style to a more complex, oxidative aged sherry. It starts as a Fino, aged under flor so it stays light and crisp, then continues aging in the cask after the flor dies, which deepens the color and introduces nutty, oxidized flavors while remaining dry. That combination—a Fino that has been left in cask for additional aging and developed a rich, nutty character—is why this description fits Amontillado best. The other options describe sherries that aren’t right for Amontillado: a sweet sherry from Pedro Ximénez, a generic dessert wine, or a Madeira-style fortified wine.