With countless reports that Sherry consumption is in decline and that producers are engaging in time-consuming and costly efforts to re-launch 'brand Sherry', we think this wonderful wine style deserves some attention. After all, it is unique and is part of that Spanish culture which most of us here in Andalucia enjoy and love; crowded bars that burst with atmosphere and serve finger licking good 'tapas'. It also reminds us of fair week when locals take to the streets in celebration of their 'Feria Real' and enjoy a 'copita de Fino' (glass of Sherry). Even those who don't normally consume Sherry will have a glass! Why the decline in consumption though? Apart from it having an acquired taste, the fact that other more appealing beverages have flooded the market and the consumer seeing it as a drink of the past, we think another reason is that the consumer doesn't quite understand it and will therefore not try it out. But Sherry actually has many advantages in that it's probably one of the best food wines, one consumes less of it, it keeps well once opened and there are so many different styles that it will never bore!
Wine making began in Jerez in as far back as 1100BC and Sherry became very popular, especially in Great Britain in the 16th Century, which led to many styles being developed and cellars founded in Jerez by British families.
Palomino grapes are predominantly used for the dry varieties and Pedro Ximenez for the sweeter styles, as well as Moscatel, although this is not as common.
SHERRY STYLES
Fino: This is the driest and freshest style. The wine is aged under a cap of yeast (flor) to avoid contact with the air and therefore maintain its freshness.
Drake & Friends Fino en Rama €12.99
Lustau Puerto Fino €9.66
Manzanilla: Very similar to Fino although it is aged in the coastal town of Sanlucar de Barrameda which gives it a rather unique and interesting salty touch.
Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa €9.66
Manzanilla Pasada: As above, although is has been aged or partially oxidised to release nuttier flavours.
Lustau Manzanilla Pasada €16.99
Amontillado: An aged Fino that has lost its flor and then purposely exposed to oxygen to finish as a beautifully amber-coloured and nutty Sherry.
Rey Fernando de Castilla Amontillado €9.66
Drake & Friends Amontillado 12YO €26.99
Palo Cortado: As with Amontillado, this is also a Fino that has lost its flor, although its style is in between a Fino and an Amontillado. Nutty and complex, yet also fresh.
Lustau Palo Cortado Peninsular €19.84
Oloroso: This ages in barrel for many years without its flor. The result, brown-coloured, wonderfully rich and nutty. A favourite!
Lustau Emperatriz Eugenia Rare €35.60
Drake & Friends Oloroso VORS €79.99
Pedro Ximenez: The darkest in colour and richest in style. It is very sweet and has been produced by dried grapes whose fermentation has been stopped prematurely by the addition of spirit to maintain the sweetness. Delicious poured over vanilla ice cream.
Lustau Pedro Ximenez San Emilio €19.84
Drake & Friends Pedro Ximenez Very Old €69.99
Cream Sherry: A commercial style of Sherry that has been sweetened by the addition of Moscatel or Pedro Ximenez.
Rey Fernando de Castilla Cream €9.66
