Description Founded by three friends – Antonio from Jerez, George from Oxford, and Tommy from Barcelona – who share a passion for wine produced in the Appellation of Jerez and have over 20 years combined experience in the wine trade, the Diatomists team explore every corner of this southernmost point of Andalucia in search of winemakers committed to excellence. Diatomists are part of a new movement of growers realigning the focus of sherry away from the bodega and back to the soil in order to explore distinct terroirs. The solera system put the region on the map, their mission is to prove that unique and exceptional soil produces unique and exceptional wine. Diatomist is the name of the people who master the art of diatom arrangement. Diatoms are single cell algae that create complex glass shells around themselves. 5 million years ago Jerez was under water which explains the unique and exceptional soil rich in diatom fossils. These hidden microscopic marvels are essential for the vines to thrive in a hot climate with dry summers and sporadic heavy rainfall. The soils’ porosity locks in the moisture providing essential water reserves for the vines to thrive during the long and sunny growing-season. In fact, the quality of the soil can be quantified by its diatoms.
