Sandeman Character Medium Dry Amontillado Sherry

Sandeman Character Medium Dry Amontillado Sherry is a 750ml fortified wine from Jerez, Spain, bottled at 17.5% ABV. Scored 91/100 by Guía Peñín, this expression stands out for its blend of 95% Palomino and 5% Pedro Ximénez drawn from a solera dating back to 1895, delivering a layered interplay of nuttiness and restrained sweetness that defines textbook Amontillado character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 17.5%  |  Origin: Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucía, Spain  |  Average Age: 9 Years  |  House: Sandeman (est. 1790)

Production & Heritage

The House of Sandeman was founded in London in 1790 by George Sandeman, making it one of the oldest port and sherry houses still in operation. The Character Amontillado is produced in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO by Zoilo Ruiz Mateos, drawing on a solera system established in 1895. Pale Palomino wines first develop under a protective layer of flor yeast before transitioning to oxidative aging in small oak casks for an average of nine years; a small addition of 5% Pedro Ximénez is then blended in to provide measured sweetness and aromatic depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with yeasty, bready notes inherited from flor aging, followed by warm oxidative qualities—toasted almonds, dried figs, and a faint pungency. Underneath, the Pedro Ximénez contribution brings subtle raisin and treacle accents that add aromatic complexity.

Taste: On the palate, an agreeable touch of sweetness greets you at entry before giving way to nutty mid-palate depth. Dried fruit layers emerge alongside a bready, almost saline minerality that keeps the wine poised between richness and dryness. The balance between the Palomino's sharp structure and the PX's round sweetness is remarkably harmonious.

Finish: The finish is long, clean, and gently warming, with lingering walnut and dried apricot notes. A thread of salinity persists, encouraging the next sip.

How to Drink Sandeman Character

Serve lightly chilled at around 12–14°C in a copita or small wine glass to concentrate the aromatics; it also performs well slightly cool over a single ice cube for warmer-weather drinking. In a Sherry Cobbler, the Amontillado's nutty depth pairs beautifully with fresh citrus and seasonal fruit. A Bamboo Cocktail (equal parts dry vermouth and Amontillado with orange bitters) highlights its savory complexity. For a twist on a classic, use it in a Sherry Old Fashioned, where the inherent sweetness from the PX reduces the need for added sugar.

Best For

• Introducing a curious wine drinker to the world of aged sherry
• Pairing with a Spanish tapas spread at a dinner party
• Building a versatile home bar for sherry-based cocktails
• Gifting someone who appreciates fortified wines with heritage and provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sandeman Character taste like? It delivers an initial gentle sweetness that transitions into nutty, almond-driven complexity with yeasty undertones and a long, clean finish. The small percentage of Pedro Ximénez adds raisin and treacle richness without overwhelming the dry Palomino backbone.

How does Sandeman Character compare to Harvey's Bristol Cream? Harvey's Bristol Cream is a cream-style sherry blended for consistent, sweeter approachability, while Sandeman Character is a medium-dry Amontillado with significantly more oxidative complexity from its nine-year average age. The Sandeman also carries a higher Guía Peñín score of 91/100, reflecting its greater depth and nuance.

Is Sandeman Character good for sipping neat? Yes—served lightly chilled, its balanced sweetness and nutty complexity make it an excellent stand-alone sipper that rewards slow, contemplative drinking.

Where is Sandeman Character made? It is produced in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Denominación de Origen in Andalucía, southern Spain, by Zoilo Ruiz Mateos under the Sandeman label. The solera system used for this expression dates to 1895.

What foods pair well with Sandeman Character? Marcona almonds and aged Manchego echo the wine's nutty character. Jamón ibérico complements the saline, oxidative notes. Mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy depth, while blue cheese balances the medium-dry sweetness. Grilled prawns with garlic and olive oil highlight the sherry's bready, savory side.

What sizes does Sandeman Character come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Sandeman Character worth the price? Positioned in the accessible-premium tier for aged sherry, the nine-year average age, Pedro Ximénez blending, and a solera dating to 1895 deliver considerable complexity and heritage for its price point, representing strong value compared to single-vintage or en rama Amontillados.

Why Sandeman Character?

Few sherries at this price point draw from a solera nearly 130 years old, and the nine-year average age gives this Amontillado a depth that simpler blends cannot match. The 91/100 Guía Peñín score confirms that the wine punches above its commercial positioning. The 95/5 Palomino-to-Pedro Ximénez blend strikes a deliberate middle ground—dry enough for cocktail versatility, sweet enough to welcome newcomers. For anyone building a sherry collection or simply seeking a fortified wine with genuine provenance, this expression from one of the oldest houses in the trade delivers a compelling argument.