FONDILLÓN OF ALICANTE
The great treasure of our winery.A fortified wine unique in the world...
Fondillón of Alicante
It was the first wine to have its own name, even before others such as Sherry, Port or Champagne. It has such an extraordinary and peculiar personality that it has passed through the tables of kings and illustrious figures in history. It has always been the most sought-after wine of them all; a unique jewel that has survived to the present day.
There are countless historical testimonies that this top-class wine has left us. There are records dating back to 1498 of Monastrell red wines from Alicante, which were undoubtedly the origin of Fondillón. In the 15th century it was a much sought-after wine. It was part of great expeditions such as the first round-the-world voyage of Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano. On this voyage, Fondillón prevented the crew from suffering from scurvy, thanks to its high vitamin C content.
It was also very popular at the court of Ferdinand the Catholic and in the salons of Louis XIV. Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Emilio Salgari mention it in some of their works. References can also be found in Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
Fondillón is a historic wine, recognised by the European Union and with special protection in the Alicante DO.
How is Fondillón produced?
This exceptional product can only be produced by less than 10 wineries in Alicante, worldwide and exclusively. That is why it is a real privilege for us to be among them.
The name “fondo” or “fondillo” comes from the long ageing time in the cellars that this wine needs to be produced. Because of this longevity, the winemakers placed the barrels at the back of the cellar. After the minimum 10 years of ageing, they were taken out.
This red wine is made only with Monastrell grapes and in vintages of exceptional quality. That is, only in years when the climate favours over-ripening of the grapes on the vine. This over-ripening produces wines with high alcoholic strength, which must be at least 16%. The yeast begins its fermentation and when it finishes it usually leaves traces of sugars, giving it that characteristic sweet touch.
Do you want to get to know it better?
The vineyards where these grapes are grown are very old and have been caressed by the warm air of the Mare Nostrum. For the production of Fondillón only patience and care can turn this wine into a real jewel.
The ageing of our Fondillones is carried out in the traditional way following the solera system and aged for over 40 years. The blend of older grapes with newer ones gives this wine a great richness.
At Bodegas Francisco Gómez we have a 1988 solera and a special 1972 solera. This makes us one of the few wineries in the world to offer this exclusive
TASTING NOTE
This is a full-bodied, mahogany-coloured wine with copper and amber highlights, denoting its maturity.
The nose is powerful, complex and distinctive with aromas of dried fruits, jam, dates and very ripe fruit.
The palate is soft and warm with hints of figs and sultanas. It has a long, pleasantly spicy finish of noble old wood.
Quo Vadis Solera from 1972 and Pago FG Solera from 1988 show the legacy of the best vintages of Monastrell from Alicante.
It is ideal on its own, as an aperitif or with cured cheeses, salted meats or foie gras. Also, with desserts to enhance sweets, pastries, nougat or ice cream.
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