If someone asks “what are Finos Palmas?”
We can refer back to the book by Manuel María González, "Jerez-Xerez-Sherry", where he says that "The Palmas" are designations that are applied to Fino sherries that have a distinctive clarity, finesse and delicate aroma. The number of ‘palmas’ is proportionate to the wine’s age: we have “One Palma”, “Two Palmas”, “Three Palmas” and “Four Palmas” wines.
Making and ageing Finos Palmas
These are classifications that have been recovered by González Byass, where the key is the selection process and the wines are part of the Fino and Amontillado solera systems whereby they are mainly aged biologically in the winery. The winemaker noses the butts of fino, then draws a sign similar to a palm leaf, in chalk, on the butts that, in his opinion, contain Fino that is outstandingly clean on the nose. These are Finos that display a more striking finesse, elegance and character than the Fino in other butts. The Palmas develop in the Solera and Criadera system and are classified from “One Palma” to “Four Palmas” in accordance with their age. One Palma ages for 6 years, Two Palmas ages for 8 years, Three Palmas ages for 10 years and finally Four Palmas ages for a total of 52 years, around 8-10 of these being biologically and the rest through oxidative ageing. 
Chalk mark indicating “Una Palma” on the cask
Una Palma
Composition: 100% palomino fino grapes. Elaboration: 6 years of age following the traditional solera system. Tasting Notes: Pale gold colour with green and golden reflections. Very pungent, intense and penetrating nose, typical of old finos. The aroma of the flor dominates, however, subtle oxidative notes can already be appreciated. Powerful and dry on the mouth, with a salty and slightly bitter finish. Pairing: Avocado tartar with tomatoes, anchovies and crab (anchovies and crabs can be replaced with tuna, salmon, sea bass etc..) 
Tío Pepe "Una Palma"
Dos Palmas
Composition: 100% palomino fino grapes. Elaboration: 8 years of age following the traditional solera system. Tasting Notes: Bright gold colour with green reflectionjs. Intense and penetrating nose. As a result of its age, the aromas derived from oxidative aging are more noticeable than biological ones. The palate is powerful, with a light oily, salty and bitter touch. Pairing: An old but refreshing fino like this one matches perfectly with an Ajoblanco with grapes (white garlic and almond cold soup) or Iberian crisps. 
Tío Pepe "Dos Palmas"
Tres Palmas
Composition: 100% palomino fino grapes. Elaboration: 10 years of age following the traditional solera system. Tasting Notes: Old gold colour with green reflections. Very sharp and penetrating on the nose. Remarkable hints of oak. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, dry, elegant, rich and persistent. This wine can be described as fino Amontillado. Pairing: Bluefin tuna over a ratatouille sauce. 
Tío Pepe "Tres Palmas"
Cuatro Palmas
Composition: 100% palomino fino grapes. Elaboration: 52 years of age following the traditional solera system. Tasting Notes: Mahogany colour of medium to high intensity. Brown reflections and green rim. Very intense aromas reminiscent of cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, lacquer and antique furniture. The palate shows great structure and a perfect harmony between acidity and oak aromas. Salty finish with an elegant bitterness that reminds us of its of biological aging under the “flor”. Very rich and tasty, with an eternal finish. Pairing: Wine of meditation to have alone with a good book or good company. However it could be well worth accompanying this magical moment with a good mature cheese or high quality Iberian cold cuts. 
Tío Pepe "Cuatro Palmas"
