Dinner & Aperitif

Sherry-Style Wine

Fino and Manzanilla develop under flor, a film of yeast that protects against oxidation and imparts a briny, almond character.

Sherry is Spain's great fortified wine, made in Jerez de la Frontera from the Palomino grape (and Pedro Ximénez for its sweet styles) under a blanket of flor yeast that gives the dry wines their signature savoury bite.

It spans a startling spectrum — from the bone-dry, salty Fino and Manzanilla through the nutty Amontillado and Oloroso to the intensely sweet Pedro Ximénez, making it the most versatile fortified wine at the table.

Key Characteristics

  • · Fino and Manzanilla develop under flor, a film of yeast that protects against oxidation and imparts a briny, almond character.
  • · Amontillado and Oloroso age oxidatively, gaining nut, leather and dried-fruit depth.
  • · Sweet styles (Pedro XimĂ©nez) are intensely raisined and syrupy.

Food Pairing

  • · tapas
  • · olives
  • · almonds
  • · manchego
  • · grilled fish
  • · curry

Serving

  • · 8-10°C for Fino
  • · Caramel-coloured Oloroso at room temp
  • · Copita glass

Subcategories

Fino & Manzanilla

Dry, briny, under flor

Amontillado & Oloroso

Nutty, oxidative drys

Pedro Ximénez

Raisin-sweet dessert