What is "mitad y mitad"?

"Mitad y mitad" refers to a mixture of grape spirit and mature sherry used for the purpose of fortification. This blending process is significant in the production of certain styles of sherry, aiming to enhance the wine's complexity and stability.

When producing sherry, the base wine is fermented and then fortified with grape spirit to increase the alcohol content. The term "mitad y mitad," which translates to "half and half," implies a specific ratio where equal parts of the grape spirit and mature sherry are combined. This practice is particularly important for creating certain types of sherry that benefit from additional alcohol and the flavor profile imparted by the aged sherry.

Understanding this term helps to appreciate the intricacies of sherry production and the methodologies used by producers to achieve their desired wine characteristics.