What do "sobretabas" refer to in sherry production?

The term "sobretabas" is directly associated with the process of sherry production, specifically referring to the period occurring between the fortification of the wine and the initiation of its aging process. During this time, after the wine has been fortified with grape spirit to reach the desired alcohol level, it undergoes a settling period, allowing any solids to settle before it is transferred to the aging casks. This phase is crucial as it prepares the wine for the complex aging process that follows, contributing to the flavor and characteristics of the final sherry.

Understanding this term is important, as it highlights a critical step in the meticulous production of sherry, distinctly separating it from choices related to filtering, grape variety selection, or fermentation processes, which serve different roles in winemaking.