Sherry

Sherry is a type of fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. Sherry is produced in a variety of styles made primarily from the Palomino grape, ranging from light versions similar to white table wines, such as Manzanilla and Fino, to darker and heavier versions that have been allowed to oxidise as they age in barrel, such as Amontillado and Oloroso. Sweet dessert wines are also made from Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel grapes, and are sometimes blended with Palomino-based Sherries.

History

The word "Sherry" is an anglicisation of Xeres (Jerez). Sherry was previously known as sack, from the Spanish saca, meaning "extraction" from the solera. In 1933 the Jerez Denominación de Origen was the first Spanish denominación to be officially recognised in this way, officially named D.O. Jerez-Xeres-Sherry and sharing the same governing council as D.O. Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Production

Sherry is produced in a variety of styles, from dry, light versions such as finos to much darker and sweeter versions known as olorosos. After fermentation is complete, the base wines are fortified with grape spirit in order to increase their final alcohol content. Wines classified as suitable for aging as Fino and Manzanilla are fortified until they reach a total alcohol content of 15.5 per cent by volume. As they age in barrel, they develop a layer of flor—a yeast-like growth that helps protect the wine from excessive oxidation.

Types of Sherry

There are several types of Sherry, they include:

• Fino ('fine' in Spanish) is the driest and palest of the traditional varieties of Sherry. The wine is aged in barrels under a cap of flor yeast to prevent contact with the air.
• Manzanilla is an especially light variety of Fino Sherry made around the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
• Amontillado is a variety of Sherry that is first aged under flor and then exposed to oxygen, producing a sherry that is darker than a Fino but lighter than an Oloroso.
• Oloroso ('scented' in Spanish) is a variety of Sherry aged oxidatively for a longer time, producing a darker and richer wine. With alcohol levels between 18 and 20%, Olorosos are the most alcoholic sherries in common production.

Serving and consumption

Sherry is traditionally served in a copita (Spanish for 'little cup'), a special type of small tulip-shaped glass designed to concentrate the aromas and flavours. It is often served chilled, and is considered a refreshing drink in Spain.

See also

• List of Spanish wines
• Spanish cuisine

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