SHERRY
A Fortified Original With Endless Expression
Sherry is a fortified wine from southern Spain, celebrated for its depth, structure, and astonishing range—from bone-dry and delicate to rich, sweet, and nutty. Crafted using time-honored techniques, Sherry offers one of the most distinctive and food-friendly profiles in the wine world.
Key Characteristics
Sherry's style depends on how it’s aged (biological or oxidative), but it often shows flavors of dried fruit, nuts, saline minerality, and spice. Its layered complexity is unmatched in the fortified category.
Style
Fortified
Body
Light to full (depending on style)
Acidity
Medium to high
Primary Grapes
Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel
Typical Flavors
Almond, sea salt, dried fig, orange peel, walnut, caramel
Origin & History
Sherry originates in Jerez de la Frontera, in Andalusia, Spain. Its production dates back over 3,000 years, but it was in the Middle Ages that the solera aging system and fortification technique evolved. Once a staple of British cellars and literary references, Sherry is now undergoing a revival among sommeliers and chefs for its food pairability and complexity.
How It’s Made
Sherry begins as a dry white wine made primarily from Palomino grapes, then fortified with grape spirit. It’s aged in a solera system, blending multiple vintages over time. Some styles, like Fino and Manzanilla, are aged under a layer of yeast (flor), while others, such as Oloroso, age oxidatively for richness and color.
Notable Regions
True Sherry can only be made in the Sherry Triangle, a small area in southern Spain:
Jerez de la Frontera
The heart of production and home to many classic soleras
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
Produces Manzanilla, the most delicate and saline style
El Puerto de Santa María
Known for balanced, slightly fuller styles
Food Pairings
Sherry’s unique flavors make it incredibly versatile—from aperitif to dessert.
Light Sherries
Fino & Manzanilla
Marcona almonds, oysters, jamón ibérico
Amontillado & Palo Cortado
Roasted poultry, mushrooms, aged cheeses
Oloroso
Lamb stew, grilled meats, blue cheese
Sweet Sherries
Pedro Ximénez & Cream Sherry
Sticky toffee pudding, figs, chocolate truffles
How to Serve It
Glassware
Small white wine glass or traditional copita to focus aromatics
Temperature
Fino/Manzanilla: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
Oloroso/Amontillado: 55–60°F (13–16°C)
Storage
Keep sealed and cool; dry styles should be refrigerated and enjoyed within a week of opening
Fun Fact
The solera system used for aging Sherry is a fractional blending method that ensures consistency and complexity. Some wines in a solera may include traces from barrels over 100 years old.
Try This If You Like
Dry white wines with minerality
Oxidative Chardonnay
Savory Vermouth
Dessert wines with structure and spice
Magnum
Triptych
Three Magnificent wines
In Magnum Format
A Big Deal of A Wine Gift