Sherry! That delightful tipple that conjures up images of sun-drenched vineyards in Andalusia and cozy, wood-panelled bars in Blighty, all in one sip. Sherry, or “Jerez” as it’s known in its homeland, is as quintessentially Spanish as flamenco dancing and siestas, yet it holds a special place in the hearts (and cellars) of us Brits. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newbie, there’s a world of flavours, aromas, and traditions in Spanish Sherries just waiting to be explored. So, let’s embark on a flavourful journey through the rolling hills of southern Spain, shall we?
What is Sherry?
First things first: Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes, primarily the Palomino grape, grown near the town of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. It undergoes a unique ageing process under a layer of yeast called “flor”, which gives it its distinctive flavours. From the light and crisp Fino to the dark and nutty Oloroso, Sherry comes in a variety of styles to suit every palate.
A Tapestry of Flavours: The Main Styles of Sherry
Fino & Manzanilla
These are the lightest and most delicate Sherries, aged under a layer of flor to prevent oxidation. Fino is bone dry, with almond and herb flavours, while Manzanilla, hailing from the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, has a slight saline tang. Pair these with almonds, olives, or a simple plate of Iberico ham for a match made in heaven.
Amontillado & Palo Cortado
A step up in intensity, Amontillado loses its layer of flor during ageing, gaining a rich nuttiness with hints of caramel. Palo Cortado, a rarer find, offers a mesmerising blend of Fino’s crispness and Oloroso’s depth. These are your go-to for heartier fare like aged cheeses or autumnal soups.
Oloroso
Oloroso Sherries forego the flor altogether, ageing oxidatively to develop robust flavours of walnut, dried fruits, and spice. They’re perfect alongside red meats, game, or a rich stew. For a sweet twist, Cream Sherry, an Oloroso sweetened with Pedro Ximénez, makes for a sublime dessert pairing.
Storage and Service: Keeping Your Sherry Shipshape
Sherry’s nuanced flavours are best enjoyed when served at the right temperature: Fino and Manzanilla chilled to about 7-10°C, and the richer Amontillado and Oloroso slightly warmer, at 12-14°C. Once opened, keep your Sherry in the fridge and aim to drink it within a week to savour its full spectrum of flavours.
Voices from the Vineyard
To add a dash of authenticity, let’s hear from Gonzalo Pérez, a third-generation Sherry producer in Jerez: “Sherry is not just a drink; it’s a reflection of our culture, our land, and our history. Each bottle tells a story of the sun, the soil, and the soul of Andalusia.”
Conclusion: Sherry, A Treasure Trove of Taste
Sherry is a versatile and complex wine that deserves a spot in the drinks cabinet of any self-respecting British connoisseur. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Fino on a sunny afternoon or savouring an Oloroso by the fireplace, Sherry offers a taste of Spanish sunshine in every glass.
So, next time you’re pondering over what to pour, why not reach for a bottle of Sherry? It’s not just for Christmas, after all. Salud!