The Solera System is a unique approach to aging and blending wine, and Sherry is one of the most notable examples of its use. The system consists of a series of barrels stacked on top of each other, with the oldest wine at the bottom and the newest wine at the top. Each year, a portion of the wine is drawn from the bottom barrel and blended with the wine from the barrel above it, which is then topped off with new wine. This process continues up the stack of barrels, with the top barrel being refilled with new wine. Here are the stages of the Solera System:

1. Solera: The oldest and bottom barrel in the system. This barrel contains the oldest wine and is never completely emptied. It is only partially drawn from each year to be blended with the wine from the barrel above it.

2. First Criadera: The barrel that sits above the Solera. It contains wine that is slightly younger than the wine in the Solera. Wine is drawn from this barrel and blended with the wine in the Solera.

3. Second Criadera: The barrel above the First Criadera. The wine in this barrel is younger still, and is blended with the wine from the First Criadera.

4. Third Criadera: The topmost barrel in the system. It contains the youngest wine, and is blended with the wine from the Second Criadera.

The blending process ensures that the wine in each barrel is a blend of different ages, with the oldest wine in the Solera being continuously refreshed with younger wine. This creates a consistent flavor profile in the Sherry that is unique to this style of aging and blending.

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