Wine expert Bob Marshall asks what’s wrong with Sherry?
THERE IS nothing wrong with Sherry other than it’s not as popular as it once was -it is slightly out of fashion when compared to present demand for lighter wine styles such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.
Sherry is a fortified wine like Port, Madeira, Marsala and Malaga and has had its alcoholic strength “fortified” by the addition of a spirit, usually brandy, which increases the percentage to about 18%.
The true home of Sherry is in the south of Spain – a very famous town called Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia near to the city of Cadiz.
Sherry is unique and its name is protected by law so only wines from this specific region are allowed to be called Sherry.
There are four main styles ranging from bone dry finos to sweet cream sherries which are dark brown in colour and usually have the name olorosso on the label while the medium dry styles bare the name amontillado.
All styles of Sherry are produced using an blending system called the Solera System which guarantees continuity of style from one year to the next.
Sherry is absolutely brilliant with food. The finos accompany shell fish like nothing else. The medium dry Amontillados are a must with aged slices of Spanish jamon and salted almond nuts while the darker sweeter cream Sherries are perfect with cakes and flans.
The image of Sherry is slowly changing but it still has vestiges of Grandma and offering the vicar a glass at Christmas time.
Another point is the UK pub trade always seemed to serve Sherry warm and in a glass resembling the shape of an eye bath. It should of course be offered quite chilled and in a decent shaped goblet or copita.
Sherry deserves a better run for its money and recently the demand for quality Sherries has been encouraging and going in the right direction.
The busiest time of year for sales is right now and through the Christmas celebratory period. A-well chilled bottle of fino served from the fridge is a great pleasure and should start a chatty conversation almost immediately.
Bob from Winos.
Family business Saddleworth Wine Vault has access to more than to 3000 wines and 300 spirits. Visit them at 72 High Street, Uppermill, ring 01457 238924, email saddleworthwinevault@live.co.uk or visit their website: http://www.winoswineshop.com
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