Amontillado is a term that is commonly used in the world of wine. The word has a rich history and has been used for centuries to describe a particular type of sherry. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of amontillado, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Amontillado is a type of sherry that is made by blending fino and oloroso sherries. It is characterized by its pale amber color, dryness, and nutty flavor. The term is also used to describe a wine that has been aged in a solera system, which is a traditional method of aging wine in barrels.
In literature, amontillado is famously known as the wine that is used in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado.” In the story, the protagonist lures his victim into a wine cellar with the promise of tasting a rare amontillado, only to trap and murder him.
Origin
The origin of amontillado can be traced back to the 18th century in the Jerez region of Spain. The wine was originally created by accident when a barrel of fino sherry was mistakenly left to age for too long, resulting in a darker, nuttier flavor. The wine was then blended with oloroso sherry to create the unique taste of amontillado.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, amontillado is defined as “a type of sherry, originally from Spain, that is pale and dry with a nutty flavor.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a dry sherry that is amber in color and has a nutty flavor.”
Associations
Amontillado is often associated with sophistication and elegance. It is a wine that is typically enjoyed with food, particularly with dishes that have a nutty or savory flavor. The wine is also associated with Spain and the Jerez region, where it is traditionally produced.
Synonyms
Synonyms for amontillado include dry sherry, pale sherry, and nutty sherry.
Antonyms
Antonyms for amontillado include sweet sherry and dark sherry.
The same root words
The root word of amontillado is “montilla,” which is a town in the province of Córdoba, Spain. The town is known for its production of fortified wines, including amontillado.
Example Sentences
- I ordered a glass of amontillado to go with my meal.
- The amontillado had a rich, nutty flavor that paired perfectly with the roasted vegetables.
- In “The Cask of Amontillado,” the protagonist uses the promise of a rare amontillado to lure his victim into a trap.