Flor
A layer of protective yeast that forms on the surface of Fino and Manzanilla Sherry, preventing oxidation and imparting distinctive saline, almond, and chamomile flavour characteristics.
In depth
Flor is a film of living yeast (primarily Saccharomyces beticus and related strains) that forms on the surface of Fino and Manzanilla Sherry in partially filled barrels. The yeast feeds on the wine's alcohol (reducing it slightly) and glycerol, and produces acetaldehydes and other compounds that give Fino its characteristic flavours of saline, fresh almonds, chamomile, and dough.
Critically, flor acts as a protective blanket between the wine and the air above it — preventing oxidation. This is why Fino Sherry is bone dry and pale straw in colour despite years of barrel ageing: the flor prevents the oxidative transformation that would otherwise turn it amber and nutty.
Flor requires specific conditions to survive: temperature (15–20°C is ideal), humidity, and the regular "refreshment" provided by the solera system. In Sanlúcar de Barrameda (cooler, humid, near the sea), flor grows more vigorously year-round — producing Manzanilla, which is considered even more delicate and saline than standard Fino.
When flor dies (due to high alcohol, heat, or the addition of neutral spirit), the wine is reclassified as Amontillado and proceeds along the oxidative ageing path.
Related exam topics
Frequently asked questions
- What happens to Fino Sherry when the flor dies?
- When the flor yeast film dies — usually because the winemaker adds more fortifying spirit to raise the alcohol above what flor can tolerate, or because cellar conditions change — the wine is no longer protected from oxidation. It becomes Amontillado, which ages oxidatively in barrel, developing a darker amber colour and nutty, dried-fruit, caramel character. The death of flor is therefore a deliberate style decision for Amontillado production.
Related terms
Practise questions on this topic
Use Vinlecta to practise exam-style questions that test your knowledge of flor and related topics.