Sherry wine

Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the town of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. Sherry is produced in a variety of styles, ranging from dry, light versions such as Fino and Manzanilla to darker and heavier versions known as Oloroso, with natural sweet wines like Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel being produced as well. The word "Sherry" is an anglicization of Jerez. In the European Union, "Sherry" is a protected designation of origin; therefore, all wine labeled as "Sherry" must legally come from the Sherry Triangle, which is an area in the province of Cádiz between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María.

History

The production of Sherry began in 1100 BC with the Phoenicians who introduced winemaking to the region. The Moors later fortified the wine to prevent spoilage during their occupation in the 8th century. The practice of fortification has since become a defining characteristic of Sherry production.

Production

Sherry is made from white grapes, predominantly the Palomino grape, with Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel being used for the sweeter styles. After fermentation, Sherry is fortified with grape spirit to increase its alcohol content. The fortified wine is then aged in a system called solera, where younger wines are blended with older ones over several years. This process contributes to the consistency and complexity of the final product.

Types of Sherry

• Fino - a dry, light-bodied Sherry that is aged under a layer of yeast called flor which prevents oxidation.
• Manzanilla - a type of Fino Sherry produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, noted for its slightly salty taste due to the town's seaside location.
• Amontillado - a Sherry that begins its aging as a Fino but later loses its layer of flor, resulting in a darker and nuttier wine.
• Oloroso - a richer Sherry that is aged without flor, leading to a more oxidized style with a stronger alcohol content.
• Pedro Ximénez - a sweet Sherry made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes.
• Moscatel - similar to Pedro Ximénez, this is a sweet Sherry made from the Moscatel grape.

Serving and Consumption

Sherry is traditionally served in a small glass at a temperature ranging from cool for Finos and Manzanillas to room temperature for Olorosos and sweet Sherries. It is often consumed as an aperitif or as a dessert wine, but can also be paired with a wide range of foods.

Cultural Significance

Sherry has a rich cultural heritage in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, where it is often enjoyed in social settings, accompanied by tapas. The region's Sherry-producing towns are popular tourist destinations, known for their bodegas (wine cellars) and annual festivals celebrating the wine.