Fondillón facts for kids

Fondillón is a very special type of wine made in the Alicante region of Spain. It's a red wine that gets its unique taste from being made with super-ripe Monastrell grapes. Even though it's a wine, it has a high alcohol level, similar to some stronger "fortified" wines, but Fondillón is naturally strong without anything added to it.

This unique wine is usually a bit sweet, and it's aged for a very long time – at least 10 years – in large wooden barrels. This long aging process gives it a special "oxidized" flavor, which means it has been exposed to a little bit of air over time, giving it a rich, nutty, and complex taste.

What Makes Fondillón Special?

Fondillón is not like most wines you might know. It's made from grapes that are left on the vine until they are very, very ripe, almost like raisins. This makes the grapes super sweet and concentrated.

The Monastrell Grape

The main grape used for Fondillón is called Monastrell. This grape loves warm, sunny weather, which is why it grows so well in the Alicante region of Spain. When these grapes get extra ripe, they develop lots of sugar and flavor, which is key to making Fondillón.

A Long Sleep in Barrels

After the grapes are picked and the wine is made, Fondillón spends a long time aging. It rests in big wooden barrels for at least 10 years, and sometimes much longer! This long sleep helps the wine develop its deep colors and complex flavors. It can be made from grapes picked in a single year (called a vintage) or from a special system called a solera, where older and newer wines are blended over time.

How to Enjoy Fondillón

Fondillón is often enjoyed with certain foods that really bring out its flavors.

Perfect Pairings

It tastes great with different kinds of cheese, especially strong ones like blue cheese. It also goes very well with chocolate and desserts made with chocolate. Imagine a rich, slightly sweet wine with a piece of dark chocolate – delicious!

See also

• In Spanish: Fondillón para niños