If in Spain there is still widespread ignorance about the sherry wines, the situation worsens abroad, whose market, however, shows increasing interest in the generous Spaniards. Breaking the myth that generous ones are only enjoyed very cold in the middle of summer, the expert Fiona Beckett recommends trying them also in the colder months.
The editor of ‘Guardian‘specialized in wines and pairings suggests to its British readers that they stop watching the sherry like a sweet wine to drink in an ice-cold glass on a terrace when the heat is at its worst, nor should it be reserved only for holidays in Spain.
If Beckett argues that the variety of Sherry wines allows the British palate to enjoy it even in the harshest winter on the islands, in Spain it is also worth giving it a try. another chance to these national drinks that claim their place at the table with their own values.
The expert notes some brief notes on five varieties of Sherry and recommends five names specific bottles that seek to find a place in the shopping basket of foreign consumers. And that, of course, we are lucky to be able to get much more easily in our country, but that perhaps we have overlooked them.
Five sherry wines for autumn or winter
Amontillado Valdespino Tío Diego
Amontillados are the expert’s first choice, which she defines as “delightfully dry.” This amontillado 15 years from Grupo Estévez, made from 100% fine palomino, has been allowed to reach 17.5-18 degrees in aging, without a second alcoholization. For Beckett, it is a “spectacular” fine wine, perfect as an aperitif to have with some toasted almonds and ham.
Valdespino Amontillado Tío Diego
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Oloroso Don José Romate
The Oloroso ones, darker in mahogany tones, age oxidatively and acquire a more fragrant and intense flavor, which reminds the expert more of hazelnut than almond. This wine from the Don José winery also has nuances of oak and nuts, with a great, very dry body that is great to accompany nuts, older cheeses and hearty dishes such as stews and game.
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Oloroso Lustau Warehouse Goosefoot
This intense and concentrated aroma from Lustau wineries, with a 20% alcohol content, is perfect to accompany equally fragrant flavors, like a good venison or blue cheese stew very aromatic. It is part of the winery’s Almacenista collection, a range dedicated to paying tribute to some of the best independent winemakers in the Marco de Jerez.
Lustau Oloroso Almacenista Chicken’s Foot
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Palo Cortado Morrisons The Best
This cut palo is one of the specialties of Lustau wineries for its international distributors, always made in the Jerez facilities. The journalist defines it as a sherry “with a glorious nutty flavor” and that has “an incredible value for money.”
In Spain we can get the Palo Corta Peninsula from the same winery, with 19% alcohol, made with 100% fine palomino and a great aroma of hazelnut, coffee, nuances of vanilla and dark chocolate.
Lustau Peninsula Palo Cortado
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Cream Sherry González Byass Solera
In Beckett’s opinion, sweet Sherry wines that combine Oloroso with Pedro Ximénez are more interesting and pleasant, instead of the latter, which is excessively sweet for his palate. The cream sherry they are like that more versatile and easy to drink.
This example from González Byass is a blend of Palomino Fino and PX grapes, with aromas of raisins, vanilla and wood, hints of wood and caramel, as well as notes of dried fruits. A delicate set of flavors and aromas that for the expert is like having “Christmas in a glass”. Perfect as a gourmet appetizer with cheese or to serve with dessert, especially if it has fruits and many spices, such as minced pies.
Solera 1847 Cream – DO Sherry Wine – 6 bottles of 750 ml – Total: 4500 ml
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Images | Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Regulatory Council – Lustau
In DAP | This is the only Spanish wine that had the approval of Isabel II: sherry and sweet
In DAP | Where to start drinking Sherry wines, according to those who know the most about Sherry