Palomino Grape
The main grape of dry Sherry, valued more for texture and aging potential than strong fruit flavor.
Updated on
Palomino is the principal grape used for most dry styles of Sherry. On its own it is relatively neutral, but in the chalky soils of Jerez and under biological or oxidative aging, it becomes the base for highly distinctive wines.
For beginners, Palomino is useful because it shows that a grape does not need dramatic fruit intensity to make important wines. Place and aging method can matter even more than primary fruit character.
At a glance
- Region: Jerez, Spain
- Typical style: Neutral base grape for dry fortified wines
- Known for: Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso
- Good for: Learning the role of terroir and aging in Sherry
- Similar to: Few direct comparisons; more about process than aroma
Why it matters
Palomino is the backbone of dry Sherry and a reminder that great wines are not always driven by aromatic grape varieties.