Palomino (Listan Blanc)

Grape variety	Palomino (Listan Blanc)
Synonyms	Listán Blanco, Listán, Palomino Fino, Palomino de Jerez, Palomino Listán
Grape colour	White grape
Ampelographic features	The Palomino grape is distinguished by its large, pyramid-shaped bunches. The grapes themselves are spherical, albeit irregular in size. They are of medium size and bear a yellow-green hue. The grape's skin is thick, which makes it resistant to diseases. The vine is highly vigorous and adapts well to various soil types, particularly favoring the albariza soil found in the Jerez region.
History	The Palomino grape, also known as Listán Blanc, has a history that dates back to the Roman times. It was introduced to the regions of Andalucia in Southern Spain, where it thrived in the unique climatic conditions. The grape gained prominence in the production of sherry, a fortified wine, which became a popular export product of Spain. Over time, the Palomino grape has been cultivated in various wine regions across the world, including South Africa and Australia. Despite its popularity in sherry production, the grape has struggled to gain recognition as a wine grape variety due to its neutral flavor profile. However, when grown in the right conditions and handled properly, it can produce white wines with a pleasant, light, and crisp character.
Characteristics of the wine	The wine created from the Palomino grape is often light in body and color, with a delicate, refreshing acidity. It displays subtle flavors of apple, almond, and sometimes a slight hint of saltiness, reflecting its coastal origins. When used in the manufacture of sherry, the grape’s neutral character allows the complexities of the sherry-making process, including the influence of flor yeast and oxidative aging, to shine through.