Sherry, a fortified wine hailing from the sunny region of Andalusia, Spain, is a complex and fascinating beverage that deserves a closer look. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the world of sherry wine, exploring its history, production, and diverse styles.
Sherry is incredibly versatile, offering a style to complement a wide range of cuisines. From dry and crisp to sweet and luscious, sherry can be enjoyed with everything from tapas to desserts. Its unique production process and aging techniques contribute to its distinctive character and complexity.
A Rich History of Sherry
Sherry boasts a long and storied history, dating back to the Moorish occupation of Andalusia. During this period, the city of Jerez was known as Sherrish, and wine production flourished. However, it was the English who truly embraced sherry, thanks to Sir Francis Drake’s raid on Cadiz in 1587.
Drake’s plundering resulted in the acquisition of around 3,000 butts (large barrels) of sherry, which he brought back to England. This event sparked a love affair with sherry among the English, so much so that Shakespeare even referenced it as “sack” in his play Henry IV.
For centuries, sherry was shipped to the UK in oak barrels, which were then repurposed for aging Scotch whisky. This explains why some single malt whiskies are labeled as “Oloroso cask aged” or “PX cask aged,” indicating that the whisky was matured in barrels previously used to age sherry. The influence of sherry on the whisky industry is undeniable, with distilleries like Bruichladdich even highlighting the sherry house, such as Fernando de Castilla, on their whisky labels.
The Sherry Triangle and DO Jerez
Sherry production is strictly regulated by the Denominación de Origen (DO) Jerez-Xérès-Sherry y Sanlúcar de Barrameda. This DO, located on the west coast of Andalusia, encompasses a specific geographical area known as the “Sherry Triangle.” Traditionally, the triangle consisted of three towns: Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Since November 2022, the DO has expanded to include Chiclana de la Frontera, Chipiona, and Trebujena, creating a larger, more elongated triangle.
Similar to how Champagne can only be called “Champagne” if it originates from the Champagne region of France, sherry can only be produced within the boundaries of the DO Jerez. It was the first designated DO in Spain, established in 1933, underscoring its importance and unique character.
Understanding Sherry Styles
“Sherry” is a generic term for a fortified white wine from the DO Jerez. However, when ordering in Andalusia, it’s essential to be specific about the type of sherry you desire.
All sherry is made from only three grape varieties: Palomino, Moscatel, and Pedro Ximénez. The Palomino grape is responsible for all the dry sherry styles.
