Did you know that last week was officially “The Week of Sherry”? Yes, the season of good cheer is also the season of Sherry! This unique wine has been enjoyed in British homes during the festive period for centuries. But what exactly is Sherry wine, and why does it pair so perfectly with Christmas?
What is Sherry Wine?
Sherry is a fortified wine, which means it has a higher alcohol content than typical wines, due to a small addition of grape spirit. This gives it a distinct richness and makes it ideal for sipping slowly – perfect for cosy evenings by the fire during the Christmas season. Sherry comes from the Jerez region in sunny southern Spain, specifically the “Sherry Triangle,” formed by the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María.
The Tradition and How Sherry Made its Way to British Homes
Sherry’s story in the UK dates back to the 16th century when Sir Francis Drake brought back barrels of it after plundering the Spanish port of Cádiz. British palates quickly developed a taste for this Spanish treasure, and by the 18th century, Sherry was a staple in Britain’s social circles. In fact, Shakespeare himself mentions Sherry in his plays, referring to it as “sack,” the old English term for the wine.
Over time, Sherry became the drink of choice for many festive gatherings, beloved for its versatility and range of styles. From crisp, dry Fino to the lusciously sweet Pedro Ximénez, there’s a Sherry for every moment of celebration.
The Many Faces of Sherry
Sherry has a surprising diversity of flavours, from bone-dry to decadently sweet. Here are a few key types:
Fino – Pale and dry with a hint of nuttiness, best served chilled. Manzanilla – Similar to Fino but with a saltier profile, thanks to its ageing process by the sea. Amontillado – Slightly richer and nuttier, ideal for pairing with savoury dishes. Oloroso – Darker and full-bodied, perfect for sipping on chilly evenings. Pedro Ximénez (PX) – A dessert Sherry, thick and syrupy with raisin-like sweetness.
Why Sherry and Christmas Make the Perfect Pair
Christmas and Sherry are an undeniable match, perhaps due to Sherry’s festive flavour profile. Traditional Sherry notes – like dried fruit, spice, and caramel – are naturally suited to the flavours of the season. Imagine savouring an Amontillado with a bite of Stilton or sipping Pedro Ximénez alongside Christmas pudding. These pairings bring a harmonious balance to the rich, indulgent foods of Christmas.
Sherry Pairings with Christmas Classics
Roast Turkey – A nutty Amontillado or Palo Cortado is perfect with the subtle flavours of roast turkey and all the trimmings.
Stuffing and Christmas Ham – A richer, fuller-bodied Oloroso enhances the savoury, spiced flavours of stuffing and ham.
Mince Pies and Christmas Pudding – The rich, dark, syrupy Pedro Ximénez is a heavenly match for these sweet, fruit-laden treats. In fact, a drizzle of PX over vanilla ice cream is a simple yet luxurious dessert idea!
Sherry Beyond Christmas: Everyday Pairings
Sherry isn’t just for Christmas! Its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of everyday foods:
• Jamón Ibérico – The salty, intense flavour of jamón is brilliantly balanced by a chilled glass of Manzanilla.
• Cheeses – From creamy Brie to intense Stilton, Sherry has a pairing for every cheese. Try Fino with soft cheeses and Oloroso with stronger flavours.
• Seafood – Light seafood dishes, like prawns or calamari, pair perfectly with a dry Fino or Manzanilla.
Fun Facts About Sherry
Here are a couple of fun facts to impress at the dinner table:
•The “Solera” System – Sherry is aged in a unique way called the solera system, where newer wine is mixed with older wine, creating consistency and complexity over time.
•Longest Aged Wine in the World – Some Sherries, particularly those aged through the solera process, can be aged for decades. This makes them some of the oldest wines available!
Why Not Make Sherry Part of Your Christmas Tradition?
With its festive richness, diversity of flavours, and long-standing place in British history, Sherry is a brilliant addition to your Christmas celebrations. It’s a wine with stories to tell, one that has journeyed across seas and centuries to bring warmth to our glasses. This Christmas, why not raise a toast to Sherry?
So next time you’re stocking up for the holidays, don’t overlook Sherry. Whether you’re treating yourself to a splash of Pedro Ximénez with dessert or sharing an Amontillado with friends, Sherry is sure to add an extra dash of joy to your festive celebrations. Cheers to the season, and cheers to Sherry!