La Gitana Oloroso Seco Faraon / Hidalgo: Complex and Rewarding
Fortified 18% ABV ABV Hidalgo
2 February 2026
Really interesting sherry
Picked this up after the guy at my local wine shop recommended it when I said I wanted something different for a cheese night. The toffee and nutty flavours are spot on and it's properly dry which I wasn't expecting from something this rich. At £16.50 I'd say it's decent value for how complex it tastes — will definitely buy again.
20 January 2026
Solid but takes getting used to
First time trying an oloroso and this was recommended on a forum somewhere. Definitely get the chocolate and walnut notes people talk about, and there's a warmth to it that lingers nicely. Took me a couple of glasses to really appreciate it though — it's not an easy sipper. Would be curious to try others in this style to compare.
25 December 2025
Great with food
Had this with some aged manchego and olives and it was brilliant. You get that raisin and caramel thing going on but it's not sweet at all, really dry. 18% ABV sneaks up on you though so watch out. Good price too for a proper oloroso.
21 October 2025
Not really my thing
My partner loves sherry so I got this for his birthday. It's very intense — like walnuts and dark chocolate which sounds nice but it was a bit much for me honestly. He enjoyed it though and said the salty edge made it interesting. I'd probably stick with something lighter myself.