Sherry, typically enhanced with grape brandy, is a type of wine produced from vines in a large triangular vineyard area surrounding Jerez city. Almost exclusively dry, every bottle is aged to its peak before being sold. A pair of the listed wines are aged 20 years or more.
Recently, sherry has experienced a rise in popularity in Jerez, thanks to compact groups of producers introducing a selection of exciting, nuanced wines. Regrettably, this drink has yet to gain significant traction in Ireland and it appears the status quo is unlikely to change. However, the fortunate few who have taken to sherry have an expanding variety to choose from, with many making their debut. Additionally, numerous producers are crafting lighter table wines with 12-13% alcohol content, interesting non-sherry alternatives with significant personality, which I highly appreciate along with the traditional sherries.
Fino sherry pairs well with a selection of different tapas, served chilled. The alliance of fino or manzanilla with Iberico ham forms one of the finest food-wine duos. The Tio Pepe listed below is among Spain’s stellar wines: affordable, dependable, revitalizing and flavoursome. An Amontillado is a matured fino, boasting toasted nuts and polished oak flavours, whilst Oloroso represents a deeper shade offering caramel, walnuts and dry fruit flavours. Most possess a briny, umami taste. If you’re a fan of Marmite and soy sauce, sherry would definitely appeal.
Alongside the below wines, check Marks & Spencer for its own brand fino sherry, a fantastic deal at €12, and the outstanding Valdespino Don Gonzalo 20-year-old Oloroso (€54.95, Corkscrew, Backrock Cellar).
Tio Pepe Palomino Fino NV, Gonzalez Byass, 15% alcohol content, priced €16-18, is light, extremely dry, flavoured with crisp green apples and briny green olives. This offers incredible value. It pairs well with charcuterie, hard cheeses, nuts and fried fish.
Primitivo Collantes Amontillado Fossi, 17.5% alcohol content, €36, offers an appealing mix of toasted almonds and hazelnuts with a hint of orange peel, rounded fruitiness and dry saline finish.
The Palo Cortado VOS from Bodegas Cayetano del Pino & Cia is an intricately layered wine brimming with flavour and personality. With a concoction of toasted nuts, namely walnuts and hazelnuts, as well as a hint of citrus and dried fruits, this wine boasts a lengthy, delectably tangy, dry and savoury mineral finish. With a 21% alcohol content, a 50cl bottle retails for €49.95 at O’Briens.
On the other hand, the Williams Colleción Añadas Amontillado en rama 2011 is a crisp, refined concoction boasting a deep, woody taste filled with the aroma of toasted walnuts and mahogany, rounded off by a savoury dried fruit flavour. With a long, bone dry finish, it pairs perfectly with walnuts and blue cheese. Containing 20.5% alcohol, it sells for €63.95 at Redmonds, D6, and Bradley’s, Cork.