Sherry - a delight from the world of wines
Sherry, this fine wine with its roots in the Jerez region in the south of Spain, is more than just a drink; it is an experience for the senses. The variety of flavours and styles offered by this special type of wine makes it a fascinating subject that not only delights wine lovers but also casual connoisseurs.
The origins of sherry date back centuries, and its production is an artful craft that combines tradition and a spirit of innovation. The process begins with the cultivation of grape varieties such as Palomino, Pedro Ximénez and Muscatel, which thrive extensively in the sun-drenched vineyards of Andalusia. These grapes are carefully selected and harvested to form the basis for the different types of sherry.
The "solera system"
A key feature of sherry is the "solera system". This is a special ageing method in which different vintages are blended together to create a consistent wine full of character. This technique ensures that each sip of sherry not only contains the flavours of the current vintage, but also the maturity and complexity of previous years. In this way, every drop becomes a small work of art of patience and dedication. The range of sherry styles is impressive: from the dry Fino and Manzanilla, which impress with their fresh and nutty flavour, to the full-bodied Oloroso and sweet Pedro Ximénez, which seduce connoisseurs with their complex aromas. Each of these styles has its own fascinating characteristics and harmonises perfectly with different dishes. A dry Fino goes perfectly with tapas and seafood, while a sweet Pedro Ximénez is ideal with desserts or cheese
In addition to its culinary versatility, sherry has also achieved cult status. In recent years, a new generation of sommeliers and bartenders have begun to use sherry in cocktails, giving it a modern face. The fact that sherry can be enjoyed on its own or in combination with other ingredients opens new doors for creative mixed drinks. From refreshing spritzes to complex cocktails, sherry always shows its best side.
The diversity of sherry
It is therefore all the more important that we see sherry not just as an old classic, but as a living part of contemporary drinking culture. The coming years could lead to this fine wine receiving even more attention and its versatility being celebrated in gastronomy and everyday life. It is particularly recommended to taste your way through the variety of sherries and discover the different nuances of flavours. There is no right or wrong way - each flavour is individual and reflects personal preference.
Whether as an aperitif, an accompaniment to a fine dinner or as an ingredient in trendy cocktails - sherry is a drink that embodies both tradition and modernity. Let yourself be enchanted by this unique wine and discover its delicious facets!
A distinction is made between the following types of sherry.
Sherry gets its typical characteristics from the alcohol content of the base wine and the extent of the subsequent oxidation (air breathing). A distinction is made between the following categories:
Fino: Fino is a light-coloured, dry sherry that matures for at least 3 years under a thick layer of pile without the influence of oxidation. It has an alcohol content of 15 to 17% and is the basis of the Amontillado and Palo Cortado varieties.
Manzanilla: Manzanilla is a fino variety with an alcohol content of 15 to 16%, which is produced exclusively in the Sanlúcar de Barrameda region. The Atlantic winds give this sherry a slightly salty flavour.
Manzanilla Pasada: Pasada means that the ageing process has taken a very long time. This sherry has a darker colour than the usual Manzanilla. It has a stronger flavour and is enriched with a hint of salted almonds. Manzanilla Pasada belongs to the first stage of the oxidative ageing process of Manzanilla and to the Amontillado.
Amontillado: Amontillado is the most flavourful fino variant. Its alcohol content is between 16 and 22%. Depending on ageing, the colour develops from amber gold tones to mahogany colours. The flavour of Amontillado is reminiscent of hazelnuts and almonds.
Olorose: This sherry is produced without a flor layer with an alcohol content of 17 to 20%. Unlike Fino or Amontillado, the flavour is more intense and much stronger. Oloroso is generally dry. Its colours range from amber to mahogany. The flavour is reminiscent of nuts and almonds.
Palo Cortado: It undergoes a longer oxidation process during fermentation. This gives the sherry an aroma of nuts and almonds and gives it a unique effect with its light mahogany colour.
Cream: This sherry is a blend of good oloroso sweet wines. The colour stretches to a great dark ruby red and has an alcohol content of 16 to 18 percent
Pale Cream: This sweet sherry belongs to the fino group. Pale in colour and piquant in aroma with an alcohol content of 15%.
Pedro Ximenez: Pedro Ximenez is a rather rich sweet sherry with an alcohol content of 17%. It has a raisin-like flavour and should be drunk at a temperature of around 16°.
Almacenista: Almacenista is the name of a selection of private companies that store and mature the traditionally produced sherry wines, sometimes for over 30 years. Traditionally, this sherry is sold in so-called "ventas" (sales halls) to the neighbourhood and restaurateurs.