Sherry's

Louis Sherry 1901

Main entrance of Sherry's 1899

Sherry's is a term that could refer to various subjects, including a type of wine, establishments like restaurants or bars, or even brands. Without a specific context, this article will focus on Sherry as a fortified wine from Spain, which is one of the most recognized meanings of the term.

Overview

Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the town of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. The word "Sherry" is an anglicization of Jerez. Sherry production involves a complex aging process known as the solera system, which blends younger wines with older ones to maintain consistency in flavor and quality over time.

Types of Sherry

There are several types of Sherry, each with its unique characteristics, ranging from dry to sweet:

• Fino: A very light and dry Sherry, aged under a layer of yeast called flor to prevent contact with the air.
• Manzanilla: A variety of Fino Sherry, produced in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, noted for its slightly salty taste.
• Amontillado: A Sherry that starts as a Fino but undergoes additional aging without the flor, leading to a darker and richer wine.
• Oloroso: Aged without the flor, Oloroso is darker and more alcoholic than Fino or Amontillado, with a strong, nutty flavor.
• Palo Cortado: A rare variety of Sherry that begins its aging as a Fino or Amontillado but develops a character closer to an Oloroso.
• Cream Sherry: A sweet Sherry, often made by blending different types of Sherries, usually including Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel wines.

Culinary Uses

Sherry is not only enjoyed as a drink but is also widely used in cooking. It can add depth and complexity to sauces, soups, and stews. Fino and Manzanilla are particularly valued in culinary applications for their ability to enhance the flavors of seafood and poultry dishes.

Serving and Consumption

The serving temperature and glassware for Sherry vary depending on its type. Lighter Sherries like Fino and Manzanilla are best served chilled, in a copita or white wine glass, while richer Sherries like Oloroso and Cream Sherry are served at room temperature in a small wine glass.

Cultural Significance

Sherry has a rich cultural heritage in Spain, with its production and consumption deeply embedded in Spanish tradition. The Sherry region is also famous for its horse breeding and flamenco music, both of which are often celebrated alongside Sherry at local festivals.

Regulation

The production of Sherry is strictly regulated to ensure quality and authenticity. Only wines produced in the designated Sherry Triangle, an area between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María, can be legally labeled as Sherry. This regulation is overseen by the Consejo Regulador of the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry designation of origin.