What is the Solera System?

The Solera System is a system of fractional blending used for Sherry production in Andalusia, Spain.

It ensures consistency year after year. Butts are grouped in sections according to the age of the wine. Periodically, a proportion of wine from each butt of a section is extracted, to fill the butts of the following older sections.

The sobretablas refer to the youngest section of the Solera System. The different criaderas refer to the intermediate sections. The solera refers to the oldest section.