In its most broad definition, sherry is a fortified wine that comes from Andalusia, Spain. It is primarily made from the Palomino grape (around 95% of all sherry production), with smaller amounts of Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes also used in certain styles. Sherry is a versatile wine that can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet, offering a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas.
“A basic way to think about flavor differences is that Port is made mostly from red grapes and sherry is made from white grapes. For me, port is like a rich, velvety dessert while sherry is more complex and diverse,” says a renowned wine critic. Sherry's unique production process, which includes aging in a solera system and the development of a yeast layer known as flor, contributes to its distinct character.
On this episode of the 'VinePair Podcast,' Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss how the wine trade seems to have forgotten about sherry. Despite its long history and cultural significance, sherry has often been overlooked in favor of other wines. However, there is a growing interest in sherry among wine enthusiasts who appreciate its complexity and versatility.
Approachable but balanced, harmonious, lingering, and very complex. Notes of orange rinds, walnuts, teak, the very finest dark chocolate, and a hint of sea breeze are often found in a glass of quality sherry. The best sherry to try today includes the Tio Pepe Palomino Fino and the Hidalgo Pasada Manzanilla, both excellent examples of their respective styles.
In Sherry Country, Wines of the Future That Look to the Past are emerging. Producers are rediscovering older methods and sometimes forgotten grapes to create innovative and unique sherries. By combining traditional techniques with modern winemaking practices, they hope to showcase the true potential of sherry and introduce it to a new generation of wine lovers.
The Good Housekeeping Institute brings us their expert-approved guide to the best sherry under £30, featuring selections from top producers like Aldi and Gonzalez Byass. Despite its reputation for being a luxury wine, there are affordable options available that offer great value and quality.
Sherry-Lehmann has been sued by two doctors over Bordeaux wines they paid for and never received; they told the court those wines are worth a significant amount. This incident highlights the importance of reputable retailers and the potential risks involved in purchasing rare and valuable wines.
Best known for its role in sherry and vin jaune, flor imparts unique structure and flavor to wine. What conditions create a veil of flor—and how does it influence the final product? Understanding the role of flor in sherry production can enhance your appreciation of this special wine.
