Sherry

Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced in the Jerez region of Spain. It is made from white grapes, primarily Palomino, and is aged in barrels made of American or European oak. Sherry can be dry or sweet and comes in a variety of styles, including fino, manzanilla, amontillado, oloroso, and cream.

Fino and manzanilla are the driest styles of Sherry. They are aged under a cap of flor, a layer of yeast that forms on the surface of the wine and protects it from oxidation. This gives fino and manzanilla their unique nutty and floral flavors. Amontillado, on the other hand, is aged first under flor and then exposed to air, which causes it to become darker and nuttier.

Oloroso, meaning "fragrant" in Spanish, is aged for longer periods of time and is not protected by flor. This causes the wine to oxidize and develop a rich, nutty flavor. Cream Sherry is a sweet style that is made by blending fino or oloroso with a sweeter wine, such as Pedro Ximenez.

Sherry is typically enjoyed as an aperitif, but it can also be paired with a variety of foods, such as nuts, olives, and tapas. It is also used in cooking, particularly in Spanish dishes like paella and gazpacho.

Sherry production is highly regulated, and only wines produced in the Jerez region can be called Sherry. The Denominación de Origen Jerez-Xérès-Sherry is responsible for ensuring that the wines produced in this region meet the strict standards for Sherry.

Sherry has a long history dating back to the Phoenician times. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew the area, and the Moors who conquered Spain in the 8th century named it "Sherish" which means "land of the white." The wine was exported to England in the 14th century, and it became a very popular drink among the upper classes.

Sherry production underwent a significant decline in the late 20th century, but in recent years, it has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Sherry is now appreciated worldwide as a unique and diverse wine with a rich history and tradition.

In summary, Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced in the Jerez region of Spain. It comes in a variety of styles, such as fino, amontillado, and oloroso, and can be dry or sweet. Sherry has a long history dating back to the Phoenician times and is enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a variety of foods, it is also used in cooking, particularly in Spanish dishes. Sherry production is highly regulated and is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity worldwide as a unique and diverse wine with a rich history and tradition

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rum

Scotch

Vodka