Sherry, the fortified wine originating from the Jerez region in southern Spain, has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. Known for its diverse range of styles—from the dry and crisp Fino to the rich and sweet Pedro Ximénez—sherry offers a unique drinking experience that pairs well with a wide variety of foods and occasions. Although sherry is traditionally associated with Spain, it has found its way into many international markets, including South Africa.
In South Africa, the availability of sherry has increased over the years, making it an attractive option for wine lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for a classic Spanish sherry or exploring locally produced options, South Africa offers a diverse selection of sherries that cater to different tastes and preferences.
This article will explore the various sherry options available in South Africa, both imported and locally produced, and provide a detailed guide on where to find them, their unique characteristics, and how they compare to the world’s most well-known sherry producers.
What Is Sherry?
Before diving into the sherry options available in South Africa, it’s important to understand what sherry is and what sets it apart from other wines.
Sherry is a fortified wine made primarily from white grapes, most commonly the Palomino grape, though other varieties such as Pedro Ximénez and Muscat are also used in certain styles. The wine is produced in the Jerez region of Spain, which includes the provinces of Cádiz, Seville, and Málaga.
Sherry undergoes a unique aging process, which involves the use of the solera system, a complex method that involves blending different vintages over time. The wine is also fortified with brandy to increase its alcohol content and prevent oxidation, giving it a longer shelf life and a distinct flavor profile.
There are several different types of sherry, each with its own characteristics:
Fino: Dry, pale, and light, Fino is one of the most popular styles of sherry and is known for its fresh, crisp taste with hints of almonds.
Manzanilla: A subcategory of Fino, Manzanilla is a dry sherry made in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, known for its slightly salty, briny character.
Amontillado: This style is a medium-dry sherry with a nutty, oxidized flavor profile, thanks to extended aging.
Oloroso: Rich and full-bodied, Oloroso is a dark, complex style that is either dry or sweet.
Palo Cortado: A rare and highly prized style that combines the characteristics of both Amontillado and Oloroso, known for its elegant, nutty flavor.
Pedro Ximénez: A sweet sherry made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, with rich flavors of dried fruits, molasses, and caramel.
Now that we have a basic understanding of sherry, let’s look at what’s available in South Africa.
Imported Sherry in South Africa
While South Africa has a growing wine industry of its own, the country also imports a wide range of international wines, including sherry. The availability of imported sherry varies depending on the region, but it’s safe to say that you can find several prominent Spanish brands in the country’s wine shops, restaurants, and bars. Here are some of the most widely available imported sherries in South Africa:
1. Tio Pepe
Tio Pepe is one of the most recognized and respected names in the world of Fino sherry. Produced by González Byass, one of the oldest and most prestigious sherry houses in Jerez, Tio Pepe Fino is a classic example of the dry, light, and crisp style of sherry that is ideal for sipping or pairing with seafood dishes.
Characteristics:
- Pale straw color.
- Aromas of almonds, green olives, and herbs.
- A dry, refreshing taste with a slightly nutty finish.
Tio Pepe is one of the most widely available Fino sherries in South Africa, and it’s often found in upscale wine shops and restaurants.
2. Lustau
Lustau is another iconic producer of sherry, known for its high-quality offerings across all sherry styles. Lustau’s range includes Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez, giving South African consumers a wide variety of options to choose from.
Lustau Fino: A dry, crisp sherry with a floral aroma and fresh, nutty flavors.
Lustau Amontillado: A medium-dry sherry with complex aromas of hazelnuts, spices, and oak, offering a rich, smooth flavor profile.
Lustau Oloroso: A fuller-bodied sherry with rich, toasted flavors and hints of chocolate, nuts, and spices.
Lustau Pedro Ximénez: A decadent, sweet sherry with rich flavors of raisins, figs, and caramel.
Lustau is a favorite among South African wine lovers who are looking for high-quality sherry that represents the traditional Spanish styles. Lustau sherries are often available at premium wine merchants and online retailers.
3. Sandeman
Another well-known brand in the world of sherry is Sandeman. The house of Sandeman produces a wide range of fortified wines, including their signature Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso styles. Sandeman is known for its elegant, well-balanced sherries that appeal to a variety of palates.
Sandeman Fino: Crisp, light, and dry with a touch of almond and saline notes.
Sandeman Amontillado: Medium-bodied with hints of hazelnut and caramel, this sherry offers a more oxidized and mature character.
Sandeman Oloroso: A rich, complex style with flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and spices.
Sandeman sherries are typically available in well-stocked wine shops and are a popular choice for those seeking high-quality, traditional sherry from Jerez.
4. Barbadillo
Barbadillo is one of the largest and most renowned producers of Manzanilla, a subcategory of Fino sherry that is made in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Manzanilla is known for its unique, salty, and briny character due to the influence of the nearby sea. Barbadillo’s Manzanillas are some of the most respected in the world.
Barbadillo Manzanilla: Light, crisp, and dry with distinctive salty and herbal notes.
Barbadillo Solear: A premium Manzanilla that undergoes longer aging, resulting in a more complex, rich flavor profile.
If you enjoy the distinct character of Manzanilla, Barbadillo is the go-to brand in South Africa, and its Manzanilla can often be found in specialized wine stores.
5. Bodegas Emilio Lustau
Lustau also produces some of the most sought-after Sherry-style wines that are popular in South Africa. Among these are their premium Fino and Oloroso. These are widely recognized for their aging processes and production methods.
6. González Byass – Alfonso
González Byass, the same producer behind the well-known Tio Pepe, also offers other highly-regarded sherries. Their Alfonso range, which includes an Amontillado and Oloroso, is often stocked in South African wine shops and restaurants.
Alfonso Amontillado: This medium-dry sherry is slightly nutty with rich flavors of toffee, dried fruit, and oak.
Alfonso Oloroso: A richer, more complex style with notes of dark chocolate, raisins, and a slightly sweet finish.
These are excellent choices for fans of Oloroso sherries and are typically found in more premium wine retailers.
Local Sherry in South Africa
While most sherry in South Africa comes from Spain, there is also a growing market for locally produced sherry-style wines. South Africa’s wine industry is globally recognized for its innovation and ability to produce a wide range of wines, including fortified wines similar to sherry. The country’s warm climate and excellent terroir allow for the production of wines that can stand up to the complexities of sherry.
1. Klein Roosboom Sherry
Klein Roosboom, a boutique winery in the Western Cape, produces a range of fortified wines that are reminiscent of traditional sherry. They offer both dry and sweet options, made from local grape varieties. Klein Roosboom’s sherry-style wines are crafted using techniques that are similar to the solera system, allowing for extended aging and complex flavors.
Klein Roosboom Dry Sherry: A crisp, nutty wine with aromas of almonds and a long, refreshing finish.
Klein Roosboom Sweet Sherry: Rich and sweet, with flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and a smooth, velvety texture.
These wines are a great option for those looking for a South African take on the classic sherry styles.
2. De Krans Cape Vintage Sherry
De Krans, another well-known South African producer, offers a range of fortified wines, including a Cape Vintage Sherry. This wine is made in the style of a Pedro Ximénez, with rich, sweet flavors of raisins, figs, and molasses.
De Krans Cape Vintage Sherry: A deep, dark sherry-style wine with concentrated fruit flavors and a smooth, syrupy texture.
De Krans Cape Vintage Sherry is a great local alternative for those who enjoy the richness of Pedro Ximénez.
Where to Find Sherry in South Africa
Sherry can be found in a variety of places across South Africa, including:
Wine Shops: Specialist wine merchants often carry a wide selection of sherries, both imported and locally produced. Large retail chains like Pick n Pay Liquor, Checkers Liquor, and Woolworths also stock a good range of sherry.
Online Retailers: Websites like Wine.co.za and Thundergrove offer a convenient way to shop for sherry from the comfort of your home, with many international brands available for delivery across the country.
Restaurants and Bars: Many fine dining restaurants and bars in major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban offer a selection of sherries by the glass or bottle, often paired with tapas or other light fare.
Conclusion
Sherry has a long history of being enjoyed across the world, and South Africa is no exception. Whether you’re a fan of the dry and crisp flavors of Fino or prefer the richness of a Pedro Ximénez, there is no shortage of options available in South Africa. From internationally renowned Spanish producers like Tio Pepe and Lustau to local options such as Klein Roosboom and De Krans, sherry drinkers in South Africa are truly spoiled for choice.
Related topics:
- What type of sherry is sweet
- Which Sherry Has the Least Sugar
- Which Sherry is Best for Christmas Cake
