Sherry is one of the most enigmatic and least understood wines in the world. Many people share the view that Sherry is only sweet. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sherry, or Jerez as it is known in Spain (and Xeres in France) is an incredibly versatile and complex fortified wine that comes in a variety of styles, ranging from very dry to very sweet. Sherry is primarily made from the Palomino grape variety, although Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes are also used for certain styles.
Location:
Sherry is produced in the "Sherry Triangle," which is formed by the three towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. These towns are located in the province of Cádiz in southwestern Spain. The unique climate and soil conditions of this region contribute significantly to the distinct character of Sherry wines.
Grape Varieties:
- Palomino Fino: This is the primary grape variety used in the production of most Sherry styles. Palomino grapes produce a neutral and light-coloured wine, making it an excellent base for the different types of Sherry.
- Pedro Ximénez (PX): These grapes are used to produce sweet Sherry styles. PX grapes are sun-dried to concentrate their sugars before fermentation, resulting in intensely sweet, dark, and syrupy wines.
- Moscatel: Moscatel grapes are used, along with Pedro Ximénez, in the production of certain sweet Sherry styles. Moscatel wines are aromatic and add floral and fruity notes to the final blend.
Styles:
Sherry comes in a variety of styles, each with its unique characteristics and production methods:
- Fino: Fino Sherry is a pale, dry wine that undergoes biological aging under a layer of flor yeast. This yeast protects the wine from oxidation, giving Finos their distinctive crisp and tangy flavours.
- Manzanilla: Similar to Fino, Manzanilla is a type of Fino Sherry specifically produced in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The proximity to the sea imparts a slightly salty character to the wine.
- Amontillado: Amontillado starts its life as a Fino or Manzanilla but then undergoes oxidative aging, resulting in a darker color and richer, nuttier flavors while still maintaining some of the crispness from its Fino origins.
- Oloroso: Oloroso Sherry is a rich, dark, and full-bodied wine that undergoes exclusive oxidative aging. It has a deep amber color and offers complex flavors of nuts, dried fruit, and spices.
- Palo Cortado: Palo Cortado is a rare style of Sherry that combines the finesse of Amontillado with the richness of Oloroso. It starts as a Fino or Manzanilla but, for some reason, loses its protective flor and continues aging oxidatively.
- Pedro Ximénez (PX): Made entirely from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, this style of Sherry is intensely sweet and syrupy, with flavors of raisins, figs, and molasses.
- Moscatel: Moscatel Sherry is made from the Muscat (Moscatel) grape variety and produces sweet, aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes.
Each of these styles offers a unique tasting experience, making Sherry a diverse and intriguing category of wines.