With This Ring: August 05, 2016

96 With This Ring
Sherry has just become the “in” tipple of choice
among a generation that would only have seen it
previously in Grandma’s sideboard or before the
turkey dinner at Christmas!
But believe it or not, there are now “Sherry Bars” in the
edgier parts of London, sales have increased there by 33% in
a year and the range of different sherries is as varied as your
favourite wines.
Of course sherry has never been out of style in Spain
where it is produced, but the global popularity of tapas,
paella and jamon has also served to re-introduce sherry as a
sophisticated food and wine match. Ranging from bone dry to
rich and sweet, sherry is also superbly versatile as an aperitif,
a cocktail, a dessert wine and an after dinner drink.
Viniculture was first introduced to Spain by the
Phoenicians in 1100BC, was continued by the Romans in
200BC and refined by the Moors when they invaded in
711AD. Columbus took sherry supplies with him to the New
World, Magellan took sherry when he circumnavigated the
world and when Francis Drake fought Spain and conquered
Cadiz, he commandeered 3000 barrels of sherry and took it
home to England. By the end of 16th century the drink was
considered the world’s finest wine.
Sherry is made from white Palomino grapes grown in the
Cadiz region of Andalusia, where the centre of the industry
is the town of Jerez de la Frontera. Sherry varieties range
from light versions (Manzanilla and Fino) which are similar to
white table wines to darker versions that have been barrelaged
such as Amontillado or Oloroso. Sweet dessert sherries
are made from a blend of Moscatel and Palominio grapes,
while Cream Sherry was first made in 1860 by blending
Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez.
After fermentation the base wine is “fortified” or made
stronger with grape spirit to increase the alcohol content to
15.5%. Similar to French laws regarding the protection of
the origin of Champagne, under Spanish law, all wine labelled
as “Sherry” must come from the “Sherry Triangle” in the
southern province of Cadiz.
Because of its high alcohol content, Sherry is best sipped
and savoured and lends itself to the “platter” style of dining.
But best of all Sherry is remarkably affordable for a quality
beverage with a pedigree that goes back 3000 years.
According to Wine Magazine, Sherry has been the most
under-appreciated wine since its popularity waned in the
1970’s. New devotees are becoming smitten with the taste,
although they sometimes need guidance when choosing a
sherry to enjoy with their cuisine. “Salude”
In many countries, a “sherry” glass is designated for
alcoholic beverages such as sherry, port, aperitifs and liqueurs
and its small size allowed a modest measure of the drink
to be sipped. However, the traditional Spanish sherry glass
or “copita” has a narrow taper to enhance the aroma, but
essentially is a medium sized wine glass with a tulip shape.