What does "sobretabla" refer to in sherry production?

"Sobretabla" refers to the stage between fermentation and the solera system in sherry production. This phase occurs after the primary fermentation of the base wine and before the wine enters the solera system for aging. During the sobretabla period, the base wine is typically clarified, and any necessary adjustments, such as fortification and blending, may occur. This stage is essential as it sets the foundation for how the wine will develop and integrate into the solera system, which is crucial for achieving the desired characteristics of different styles of sherry.

While aging in a barrel without flor, filtering of the wine, and the bottling process are all important steps in sherry production, they occur at different stages and are not representative of the specific phase known as sobretabla. Understanding this distinction is vital for anyone studying the complexities of sherry wine production.