Sherry, a fortified wine with origins in the sun-soaked vineyards of southern Spain, has long been appreciated for its complexity, richness, and versatility. Historically enjoyed as an aperitif, it has made a powerful resurgence among modern wine lovers, particularly those who savor its unique range of flavors. Sherry is made primarily in the Jerez region, from grapes such as Palomino, Pedro Ximénez (PX), and Muscat. Its rich history and varied styles, ranging from bone-dry to decadently sweet, offer something for every palate.
While Sherry is frequently used in cocktails or as a cooking ingredient, there are certain styles that are particularly well-suited for sipping — showcasing the depth and complexity of this remarkable wine. In this article, we will explore six of the best Sherries for sipping, highlighting their flavors, production methods, and the best occasions to enjoy them.
What Makes Sherry Perfect for Sipping?
Before diving into the best Sherries, it’s important to understand what makes this wine ideal for sipping. Sherry is a fortified wine, meaning that brandy is added to the wine to increase its alcohol content. This gives Sherry its distinctive strength and structure.
Sherry’s taste varies depending on the type, which can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and even intensely rich and nutty. The influence of flor (the yeast layer that forms during aging) and oxidation during aging lead to its unique profiles, with flavors that span from salty and briny to intensely rich and fruity.
For sipping, Sherry offers a wonderful balance of complexity, acidity, depth, and finish. Whether you’re enjoying a light, refreshing glass of Fino or a rich, velvety glass of Pedro Ximénez, the wines are perfect for savoring slowly, letting their flavors unfold over time.
Now, let’s dive into the six best Sherries to enjoy while sipping.
1. Tío Pepe Fino
Tío Pepe Fino is perhaps the most iconic Fino Sherry, known for its crispness, elegance, and dry style. It hails from the renowned González Byass winery, which has been producing Sherry for over 180 years. As a Fino, Tío Pepe is aged under a layer of flor, a naturally occurring yeast that protects the wine from oxidation, allowing it to retain a bright, clean, and refreshing character.
Tasting Notes
Tío Pepe Fino is dry, light, and fresh, with delicate notes of green apple, almond, and brine. It has a slightly salty finish, which makes it incredibly refreshing and perfect for sipping, especially as an aperitif. The flor aging imparts a subtle yeasty character, reminiscent of freshly baked bread, that adds depth to the wine’s profile.
Best Pairings
Fino Sherries like Tío Pepe are excellent with seafood, especially oysters, sardines, or grilled prawns. The saline notes of the Sherry match perfectly with the briny flavors of seafood. It also pairs beautifully with jamón ibérico or other cured meats, as the wine’s dryness complements the richness of the meats.
Ideal Occasion
Tío Pepe Fino is perfect for casual sipping, whether you’re having a light meal or enjoying a glass before dinner. It’s also a great option for a summer evening, thanks to its crisp, refreshing nature.
2. La Gitana Manzanilla
Another dry style of Sherry, La Gitana Manzanilla is produced in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where the cool sea breeze influences the wine’s development. Manzanilla is essentially a sub-style of Fino, but it is known for its particularly delicate, light, and slightly salty character due to its proximity to the ocean.
Tasting Notes
La Gitana Manzanilla offers flavors of citrus zest, green olives, and almonds, along with a subtle brininess that is characteristic of wines made near the sea. The wine is light and crisp, with a slightly nutty finish that makes it incredibly easy to drink.
Best Pairings
Manzanilla pairs wonderfully with fish, especially anchovies or fried fish. It also goes well with tapas like olives, cheeses, and crispy tortilla chips. The wine’s salty edge makes it an ideal match for dishes that have similar briny or savory notes.
Ideal Occasion
La Gitana Manzanilla is perfect for a light afternoon sipping session. It’s ideal for pairing with appetizers or as an accompaniment to a lively tapas spread with friends.
3. Bodegas Hidalgo – Amontillado 12 Years
Amontillado is a style of Sherry that starts its life as a Fino but undergoes further aging, after which the flor dies off, exposing the wine to oxygen. This oxidized aging process gives Amontillado its nutty, savory characteristics. The Hidalgo Amontillado, aged for 12 years, is a refined example of the style, with a balance of dry and nutty flavors.
Tasting Notes
Bodegas Hidalgo’s Amontillado offers a more complex, savory profile than Fino or Manzanilla. It is rich and nutty, with notes of hazelnuts, toasted bread, and caramel. There’s also a distinctive fig and dried fruit character that makes this Sherry very interesting for sipping. The wine has a medium to full body with a slightly dry finish, showcasing the influence of oxidative aging.
Best Pairings
Amontillado pairs well with a variety of foods, from smoked meats to cheeses like Manchego and Comté. It also works well with roasted nuts, charcuterie, or grilled vegetables. The nutty and savory flavors of Amontillado complement the rich flavors in these foods.
Ideal Occasion
Amontillado Sherry is excellent for sipping during cooler evenings or at a more formal gathering. It’s a wine that invites contemplation, so it’s perfect when you want to sit down, relax, and appreciate the nuances of a complex drink.
4. Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio
The sweet side of Sherry comes in the form of Pedro Ximénez (PX), one of the richest and most luscious styles of Sherry. Lustau’s Pedro Ximénez San Emilio is a fantastic example of this style, made from overripe grapes that are dried in the sun before fermentation. The result is a wine that is intensely sweet, with flavors of dark fruits and molasses.
Tasting Notes
Lustau’s PX San Emilio is deeply rich and complex, with flavors of raisin, dates, figs, and molasses. There are also undertones of coffee, chocolate, and toffee that contribute to its luxurious and syrupy mouthfeel. The sweetness is balanced by a hint of acidity, which prevents the wine from being overwhelming.
Best Pairings
PX Sherry is often enjoyed on its own, but it pairs beautifully with rich desserts like chocolate cake, tarts, or cheesecake. It is also excellent with blue cheeses or sliced foie gras. The intense sweetness of PX makes it a wonderful match for dishes with similarly rich or sweet flavors.
Ideal Occasion
Lustau’s PX is perfect for after dinner, when you want something indulgent and satisfying. It is also a fantastic wine to sip during colder months, as its sweetness and rich mouthfeel provide comfort on chilly evenings.
5. Valdespino ‘Inocente’ Fino
Valdespino’s Inocente Fino is another exceptional example of a Fino Sherry, offering a bright, elegant, and crisp profile. This wine comes from the famous Valdespino estate, known for producing some of the finest Sherries in Spain. Inocente is aged under flor in Jerez de la Frontera, producing a wine that is fresh, expressive, and clean.
Tasting Notes
The Inocente Fino is characterized by citrus fruits, almonds, and a delicate floral aroma. Its crisp acidity provides a refreshing balance to its richness, and its finish is clean and dry. The flor aging contributes subtle hints of yeast and baked bread, giving the wine depth and complexity despite its light body.
Best Pairings
This Fino is ideal with seafood, particularly squid, clams, or grilled fish. It also pairs nicely with cheese such as manchego or fresh goat cheese. The wine’s dryness and acidity complement the freshness of seafood and the richness of cheese.
Ideal Occasion
Valdespino’s Inocente Fino is perfect for casual sipping at any time of day. It’s a versatile wine that can be enjoyed both on its own or as part of a larger meal, making it a great choice for a relaxed gathering or an aperitif before dinner.
6. González Byass – Noé Pedro Ximénez
Another exceptional example of a Pedro Ximénez Sherry is González Byass’s Noé PX, a rich and complex wine that has been aged for over 30 years. This PX is one of the finest examples of the style, offering a luxurious and concentrated flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
Noé PX is incredibly rich, with concentrated flavors of raisins, molasses, blackberries, and coffee. There are also subtle notes of spices and chocolate, adding to its depth. The wine has a thick, syrupy texture and a long, smooth finish, making it ideal for slow sipping.
Best Pairings
Like most PX Sherries, Noé PX pairs excellently with rich desserts, especially those made with chocolate, caramel, or nuts. It also pairs beautifully with blue cheese or dark chocolate. The wine’s richness and sweetness make it the perfect indulgence.
Ideal Occasion
Noé PX is best enjoyed after a meal, ideally as a dessert wine or with a selection of cheeses. It’s the perfect wine for savoring during a special occasion, particularly on cold evenings when you want something indulgent and warming.
Conclusion
Sherry is a versatile and captivating wine that offers something for everyone, from crisp, dry Fino to rich, sweet PX. The six Sherries highlighted in this article represent the best of what the world of Sherry has to offer, showcasing a range of styles that are perfect for sipping. Whether you prefer the refreshing crispness of Fino, the complexity of Amontillado, or the indulgence of Pedro Ximénez, there is a Sherry for every occasion and palate.
Exploring the world of Sherry can be a rewarding journey, and with these exceptional bottles, you are sure to experience the depth and character that make Sherry one of the world’s most beloved fortified wines. Whether you’re sipping casually with friends or savoring a glass on a special evening, Sherry remains a wine that invites you to relax, reflect, and enjoy.
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