Sherry

Very recognisable yet very poorly understood, Sherry only comes from Andalucia, in Southern Spain, and in particular from the vineyards around the three towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria. The word ‘sherry’ is derived from the name ‘Jerez’. It’s baking hot here in summer, the buildings are mostly painted white, and the traditional Andaluz culture persists which often involves ferias (fairs), horses and, of course, plenty of sherry. The first thing to note about styles of sherry is that well over half of the annual production, and nearly all drunk in Spain, is dry. Think of the bars that line the streets of Seville and Jerez, and you’ll find bone-dry Manzanillas and Finos partnering all sorts of delicious tapas. Nutty Amontillados and Olorosos with wonderful depth and presence are equally impressive. Then there is the depth and complexity of wines aged for many years, and a more-ish quality that makes you want another glass! Keep an eye out for our ‘special releases’ during the year, including En Rama styles and other small parcels of rare sherry.