Sherry is a type of wine that originates from the Jerez region in southwestern Spain. It is made primarily from white grapes, such as Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, and Moscatel, but can also include a small amount of red grapes like Tintilla. When it comes to the sweetness level of sherry, there is a common misconception that all sherry is sweet. However, the majority of sherry is actually dry.
Within the category of dry sherry, there are two major styles: those that are biologically aged and those that are oxidatively aged. These different aging processes greatly impact the flavor profile and sweetness of the sherry.
One style of dry sherry is known as Fino. Fino sherry is aged under a layer of yeast called flor, which forms naturally on the surface of the wine. This layer of flor acts as a protective barrier, preventing the wine from coming into contact with oxygen. The flor also consumes the sugars in the wine, resulting in a dry and crisp flavor profile. Fino sherry typically has a pale straw color, delicate aromas of almonds and yeast, and a refreshing, bone-dry taste. It pairs wonderfully with tapas and seafood dishes.
On the other hand, we have Oloroso sherry, which is oxidatively aged. Unlike Fino sherry, Oloroso does not have a layer of flor yeast protecting it from oxygen. As a result, the wine is exposed to air during the aging process, leading to oxidation and a deeper, richer flavor profile. Oloroso sherry tends to have a darker amber color, intense aromas of nuts, dried fruits, and spices, and a fuller-bodied, nutty taste. While still considered dry, Oloroso sherry can have a touch of sweetness due to the concentration of flavors from the oxidation process. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes, such as game meats and strong cheeses.
It's important to note that not all sherry is dry. There are also sweet styles of sherry, such as Pedro Ximenez (PX) and Cream sherry. Pedro Ximenez sherry is made from sun-dried grapes, which results in a highly concentrated, sweet wine with flavors of raisins, figs, and molasses. Cream sherry is a blend of dry sherry and sweet wine, creating a medium-sweet style that is smooth and rich.
In my personal experience as a sommelier, I have found that many people are surprised to discover the dry side of sherry. The misconception that all sherry is sweet can be attributed to the popularity of sweeter styles like Pedro Ximenez and Cream sherry. However, once they try a dry Fino or Oloroso sherry, they often find themselves pleasantly surprised by the complexity and versatility of these wines.
The majority of sherry is dry, with two main styles: Fino, which is biologically aged under a layer of flor yeast, and Oloroso, which is oxidatively aged. These dry sherry styles offer a wide range of flavors and pairings, making them a delightful addition to any wine enthusiast's repertoire.