5 reasons why every gentleman should be drinking sherry this summer
Words: Anna Spooner
Sherry is no stranger to bad press and misunderstanding. That’s especially true in the UK where it is often dusted off at Christmas to be poured in a crystal glass only seen once a year, and placed in Granny’s hand whilst she sips in front of the Queen’s speech. But gentlemen, we’ve all been getting it so wrong. On the continent, this incredibly versatile fortified wine has been an aperitif staple – just like the Aperol Spritz. Cultured Spaniards have long known that there is, arguably, no better drink in the world to pair with olives and sunshine than a quality sherry. But where Granny has opted for Bristol Cream in the past, the young trend-setters are shunning the sweet and choosing increasingly popular Fino and Manzanilla sherries. These styles are much drier to suit modern styles of wine and have enough punch to pair with foods and they are to be drunk chilled, not luke warm with mince pies. And, having ‘broken myself in’ to sherry a few years ago on these clear and crisp styles in Madrid, I don’t blame them! One of sherry’s strengths also proves its undoing – there are so many varieties that people often try one style and assume they know what they all taste like, or ever worse, they’re too intimidated to try it at all. So what should you know about sherry, and which should you try?
1. Not all sherry is sweet
In fact, quite the opposite. If you prefer a dry wine, then opt for Fino sherry – this is the palest and the driest and, when served crisp and cold, can be a mouth-wateringly refreshing drink that makes you smack your lips in pleasure. For a masterclass in pale perfection, at an exceptionally good price, why not pick up this Berry Bros & Rudd Fino. For under £10 for a 70 cl bottle, it’s a great introduction to the style.
Image: Berry Bros & Rudd
2. It’s very easy to pair
Due to it’s slightly flavour in many styles in can hold it’s own against saltier foods, whereas sweeter wines might go a bit ‘flabby’ (especially Fino Manzinilla). This makes it a very easy aperitif wine working brilliantly with salted nuts, parma ham and, dare I say it, extra salty Kettle Chips! This own-brand Fino Sherry from Fortnum & Mason (£17.50) packs enough punch against heavy garlic-based foods which, as its tasting notes rightly say; ‘no table wine can cope with’.
Image: Fortnum & Mason
3. Don’t look for a vintage
Sherry rarely carries a vintage, it’s solera system aging means that year-on-year these delicious fortified wines are blended together meaning they’re incredibly consistent and exceptionally good value. That is, of course, not to say that there aren’t great vintages, the late 80s were particularly exceptional and so if you want something truly special then try Hidalgo’s Omarosa Anada, 1986 Vintage from The Drinks Shop at £88.54
Image: Lagitana
4. Whisky is aged in sherry barrels
Chances are, you’ll have been drinking spirits aged in sherry barrels for years. Many of the finest whiskies in the world have used the rich flavour-infused oak of sherry casks which blends slickly into the malt flavours. A great one to try is the Alberlour A’bunadh Single Malt which at £41.50 from Waitrose is exceptional value for such an intense and tantalising tipple (but not strictly a sherry, of course!).
Image: The Whiskey Exchange
5. Sherry is a social drink
Finding sherry on the menu of top Spanish restaurants it guaranteed. Trendy tapas hotspots such as Barrafina have extensive sherry lists and an educated team to tell you what to try with which tapas. A date would be far more impressed with trying something a little more unusual whilst waiting for your table, and you can always move onto wine afterwards!
So, fear not of Fino and man up to Manzanilla – you won’t be disappointed and you will appear the most discerning of gentlemen.
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