Sherry is the true underdog of the fortified wine world. In popular culture, Sherry is often depicted as a drink mainly associated with older, more sophisticated characters. It’s appeared in countless films and television shows, often in the company of wealthy, refined characters, contributing to an air of sophistication and good taste.
Growing up in the 60s, I remember watching the Rank Production films made in the 1950s, and just about every one of those films featured characters knocking back a glass or two of Sherry. Of course, Sherry was the tipple of choice for the great detective Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick Dr. Watson. Fast forward to the 1990s, and the television show “Frasier” — where Frasier Crane frequently sips Sherry and discusses it with other characters in the show.
With this history and baggage, it’s no wonder sherry has fallen off the radar for many wine lovers. Despite its portrayal as a drink for stuffy, older, seemingly sophisticated individuals, Sherry is happily enjoyed by wine lovers of all ages and backgrounds. This versatile and complex wine offers a broad range of styles, and it can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or dessert, or as an accompaniment to food.
Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes grown near the village of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. The history of sherry production can be traced back to the Phoenicians, who are believed to have brought the first grapevines to the region. The Romans also played a role in the development of Sherry after they established vineyards in the area and introduced new wine-making techniques. Sherry gained tremendous popularity during the Middle Ages, and by the 16th century, it had become a sought-after export from Spain.
Fino
This bone-dry, light-bodied Sherry features a delicate, nutty palate and is the driest of all sherry styles. It’s aged under a layer of yeast called “flor,” imparting a wealth of unique flavors and aromas. Fino is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with seafood, cured meats, and it’s the classic companion to tapas.
Manzanilla
Manzanilla is a type of Fino produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a village close to the Atlantic coast. It’s fresh and dry on the palate and has a refreshing, briny character thanks to the humid maritime climate of the region. Manzanilla is also best served chilled and pairs well with seafood, tapas, and cheese, notably, Manchego.
Amontillado
This medium-bodied Sherry is aged under flor for a limited time and then exposed to oxygen, resulting in a darker color and a richer, nutty flavor. It has just a whisper of sweetness, allowing it to pair beautifully with roasted meats, game, and rich, savory dishes. Amontillado usually is my top choice for cooking.
Oloroso
This is a full-bodied sherry that is aged oxidatively, which gives it a dark color and a rich, raisiny flavor. It is often sweetened and can be enjoyed on its own or as a dessert wine. Oloroso pairs well with strong cheeses, nuts, and chocolate.
Palo Cortado
This is a rare and unique style of Sherry that is essentially a light, dry Oloroso. It has the dry, nutty character of Amontillado and the richness and depth of Oloroso. Palo Cortado pairs well with roasted meats and robust, flavorful dishes.
Cream
Cream sherry is made by combining light, dry, Fino, and Oloroso. The resulting blend is aged further in oak barrels, resulting in a rich, amber color and complex flavor.
Cream sherry is combined with Pedro Ximenez (PX) grape juice to regulate sweetness. The PX contributes a gorgeous, slightly syrupy consistency while adding notes of raisin, fig, and date. Some Cream sherries are aged for several additional years, which helps to develop their flavor and smooth out any rough edges.
Cream sherry is often enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine, or it can be served alongside desserts and sweet snacks. It pairs well with decadent, creamy desserts, nuts, and chocolate. Cream sherry is also sometimes used in cooking, particularly in sauces and reductions.
Whether you are a seasoned wine geek or are new to the world of wine, Sherry is a delicious and exciting choice for exploration. Its a unique and versatile wine that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of settings and paired with a broad range of foods.