Sherry is a type of wine that is made in Spain. It’s a fortified wine, meaning that brandy or another spirit has been added.
There are many types of sherry, and each one has its unique flavor.
In this blog post, we will teach you how to drink sherry like a pro.
What is Sherry?
Sherry is a type of fortified wine that originates from the southern region of Spain.
It is made from white grapes that are grown in the province of Cadiz, and sherry wines can range in color from pale straw to deep amber.
Sherry wines are classified into fino, manzanilla, and oloroso:
- Fino Sherries are the lightest and have a dry, delicate flavor.
- Manzanilla Sherries are slightly amber in color and have a salty flavor due to the fact that they are aged near the coast.
- Oloroso Sherries are the darkest and have a full-bodied, nutty flavor.
Sherry wines are typically drunk as an aperitif, but they can also be used as an ingredient in cooking.
Sherry is an important part of Spanish culture, and it has been produced in the same region for centuries.
Sherry wines are an excellent way to experience the unique flavors of Spain.
How is Sherry Made?
The white grapes that are used to make sherry must be grown in the Andalusian province of Cadiz.
The climate in this region is hot and dry, which helps to produce high-quality grapes.
Once the grapes have been harvested, they are crushed and fermented.
During fermentation, the sugar in the grape juice is converted into alcohol. After fermentation, the wine is fortified with brandy or another spirit.
This process increases the alcohol content of the wine and gives it a unique flavor.
Finally, the sherry is aged in barrels for a period of time from 3 years to several decades before it’s bottled and sold.
Read our related article, How is Sherry Made? for more information on how Sherry is produced!
How Do You Drink Sherry?
There are a few things you should keep in mind when drinking sherry.
- It is important to serve sherry at the right temperature. Fino and Manzanilla Sherries should be served chilled, while Oloroso Sherry should be served at room temperature.
- It is important to pour the sherry into a glass that has been designed specifically for fortified wines. This type of glass will help to enhance the flavor of the wine.
- It is essential to drink sherry slowly in order to appreciate its unique flavor.
Sherry pairs well with a variety of foods. For example, Fino Sherry goes well with light appetizers such as sushi or shrimp.
Manzanilla Sherry pairs well with salty dishes such as olives or cheese.
Oloroso Sherry is good for heartier dishes such as steak or lamb.
No matter what you are eating, there is a type of sherry that will complement your meal.
How to Store and Serve Sherry
Sherry is a robust, flavorful wine that can be enjoyed for any occasion.
When it comes to storing and serving sherry, keeping the wine at moderate temperatures and ensuring that it is well-sealed.
Ideally, sherry should be stored in a cool, dark place at around 58 degrees Fahrenheit such as in a wine cellar or wine cooler.
Storing sherry in a refrigerator or cellar is ideal, as these locations provide consistent temperatures and are safe from temperature fluctuations.
But, how long can you keep unopened wine at room temperature? Sherry can last around 1 year when stored at room temperature (between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit) without exposure to sunlight.
Sherry doesn’t need decanting unless the bottle is over a decade old. In this case, decanting can help separate the sediment from the wine.
However, it can’t be stored in a stoppered decanter like port.
Sherry’s flavor will degrade within a few days, so it’s best to use a wine saver to preserve the original flavor and aroma if you can’t finish it right away.
If your sherry is too dry you can add a little sweet sherry to sweeten it up. Alternatively, you can add a little dry sherry to cut the sweetness of cream sherry.
Watch the video below to get an inside look at the historic world of Sherry making in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Are the Different Types of Sherry?
A: There are 3 main types of sherry: Fino, Manzanilla, and Oloroso.
Fino Sherries are light and dry, while Manzanilla Sherries are slightly sweeter and have a nutty flavor.
Oloroso Sherries are the richest and most full-bodied of the 3 types.
Q: How Long Does Sherry Last?
A: Once opened, sherry will last for 6 weeks if stored properly.
To store sherry, keep it in a cool, dark place at around 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Seal the bottle tightly after each use to prevent it from oxidizing and going bad.
Q: How Should I Serve Sherry?
A: Fino and Manzanilla Sherries should be served chilled, while Oloroso Sherry should be served at room temperature in sherry glasses or similar small fortified wine glasses.