Flor

/FLOR/

Film-forming yeast that creates the distinctive character of Fino sherry.

Full Definition

Flor is a layer of indigenous yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that forms on the surface of certain sherries, protecting from oxidation while adding distinctive tangy, salty, bread-dough character. It requires specific alcohol levels (15-15.5%) and humidity to thrive. Fino, Manzanilla, and biological-aged sherries are defined by flor.