Sherry

Appears in

Published 2010

About

One of the most popular aperitifs in the world, sherry is fortified wine made from white grapes. There are two main types of sherry - fino and oloroso - and here we explain how sherry is made, how each type assumes its distinct character and how to store and serve sherry to ensure you enjoy it at its very best.

KEEP IT SHORT Use ang tulip-shaped glass for sherry. Till to no more than one-third full, to appreciate the aroma.

Serving Sherry

Freshness is of primary importance when buying fino. Buy from outlets such as supermarkets where the turnover is constant. Once the bottle has been opened, it should be kept in a refrigerator and drunk within three days. Fino should be served very cold. The ideal glass is a tall, thin “copita”, but you could use a small tulip-shaped glass. Delicious served with shellfish, such as freshly cooked shrimp.
Oloroso and amontillado will last for 2-3 weeks after you have opened the bottle, but will start to deteriorate after this time. They are ideal as winter apéritifs - warming and nutty. Serve them in a glass that tapers a little towards the top so that you focus the aromas. These sherries complement soups, especially consommés, or you can enjoy them with nuts as an apéritif or following a meal.
Cream sherries will keep for 2-3 months after opening. There is no need to refrigerate. Serve in a tapered sherry glass. Good cream sherries are delicious on their own, but you could serve them poured over high-quality vanilla ice cream.