What type of sherry ages independently of the solera system?

The sherry that ages independently of the solera system is vintage sherry. Unlike other types of sherry that undergo the solera method, which blends different vintages for consistency and complexity, vintage sherry is aged solely from a specific harvest. It is bottled after a period of aging, usually in a cask, and retains the characteristics of the year in which the grapes were harvested. This results in a product that showcases the unique qualities and vintage variations of that particular harvest.

The solera system is primarily used for wines like Fino and Amontillado, where the blending of different ages helps to achieve a consistent flavor profile. Manzanilla, being a style of Fino, also follows this aging process. Therefore, vintage sherry stands out as it is not tied to this systematic blending and can reflect the individual vintage's qualities.