CH’NG Poh Tiong
Lustau Palo Cortado Peninsula
Palo Cortado is a quirk of nature. But, natural it is. And special. This uber rare Sherry had been originally aged under a flor of yeast to become a Fino or Amontillado. Except, for reason no one knows, the veil of flor disappears. And exposes the wine, now naked, which continues to age. Oxidatively. The colour deepens but no more than the medium complexion of a Pu-erh tea or, in some cases, a deeper shade. The wine takes on the richness of an Oloroso but retaining the eager crispness of an Amontillado. Such is the rarity of this natural wonder that just 1 to 2 percent of what is destined to become Sherry ends up as Palo Cortado. Peninsula is a weave of nuttiness, saltiness, dried small, preserved Chinese prunes, minerality, and – the first impression on the nose – a whiff of old Cognac and Colheita Port – before we arrive in Sherry. Such is the magnificent journey. Very fresh and bone dry. A marvel of Nature and a perfect pairing with Sichuan Maipo Doufu. Thank you Chee Wee for spoiling us last Wednesday 28 April.
