Amontillado sherry is a unique and complex fortified wine. It is one of the most interesting and interesting wines available, and has a flavor that many find irresistibly delicious.
Unlike other sherries, Amontillado is produced from the complete fermentation of palomino grape must. The fruit of the fusion of two different types of ageing processes (both biological and oxidative), Amontillado is resultingly an extraordinarily complex and interesting sherry. It has a distinct nutty, caramel-like flavor that some compare to lighter red wines. This flavor comes from its aging process; Amontillado is aged twice – first in a biological aging process, then in an oxidative process. During this time, it develops its own distinct taste and complexity.
Amontillado sherry is slightly higher in alcohol than a Fino: between 16º and 22º. The older it is, the higher the natural alcohol volume will be due to concentration and evaporation. Despite being higher in alcohol than other types of sherry, Amontillado can still be lightly sweetened for certain export markets.
For those looking for a substitute for Amontillado sherry, your best bet would be to try either dry Marsala wine or Palo cortado – both are oxidized and have similar flavors to Amontillado sherry. You could also use a dry Madeira as this is also fortified and barrel aged, although it doesn't quie have the same complexity as Amontillado sherry does. Once opened, Madeira and Marsala wines keep quite well so they are useful to have on hand for cooking as you can add a splash to gravies and other stews.
In conclusion, if you're looking for someting special with depth of flavor that can enhance any dish or meal you're serving up then look no further than Amontillado sherry!
Exploring the Characteristics of Amontillado Sherry
Amontillado Sherry is a type of fortified wine produced in the Spanish region of Jerez de la Frontera. It is made from Palomino grapes and undergoes two different types of aging processes. The first process is biological, also known as ‘flor', where the wine ferments and matures undr a layer of yeast. This layer protects the wine from oxidation, and gives it a characteristic nutty flavor. The second process, oxidative aging, occurs when the flor dies off or dissipates due to lack of oxygen, leaving the sherry exposed to oxygen in order to oxidize and mature. This process develops a drier, more complex flavor profile with notes of walnut, dried fruit and caramel. Amontillado Sherry gained its name from the color it takes on after this extended maturation period; amontillado means ‘in the style of Montilla' – a region near Jerez known for producing wines with this distinct golden-brown hue.
Difference Between Amontillado and Sherry
The main difference between Amontillado and Sherry is that Amontillado is a type of Sherry. Amontillado is a dry, medium-bodied fortified wine made from Palomino grapes in the Jerez region of Spain. It is initially aged undr flor, like Fino Sherry, but then undergoes oxidative aging in barrel. This extended aging period results in a darker color and nutty flavor profile with hints of dried fruits and toffee. Amontillado can be lightly sweetened for export markets. It has an alcohol content between 16º and 22º, higher than Fino Sherry which usually ranges from 15% to 17%.
What is the Taste of Amontillado Sherry?
Amontillado sherry has a unique flavor profile that is nutty, caramel-like and slightly oxidized. It is similar to lighter red wines, but with a slightly more complex taste. The flavor of amontillado sherry can range from sweet to dry depending on the paricular grapes used in making it. In comparison to oloroso sherry, amontillado has a less intense flavor as it is made differently. Palo cortado sherry has a taste that is close to or even identical to oloroso, but with a lighter body.
Substitutes for Amontillado Sherry
Amontillado sherry is a type of fortified wine, made from white grapes and aged in oak barrels. It has a nutty flavor, with notes of caramel and dried fruit. As such, it can be difficult to find an exact substitute for this unique flavor profile.
A dry oloroso sherry is the closest substitute for amontillado sherry as it is also a fortified wine aged in oak barrels. It has a rich complexity with notes of wood, nuts, and dried fruits. It is slightly sweeter than amontillado sherry but can work well in recipes that call for the latter.
If you don't have access to oloroso sherry, another good alternative would be dry Marsala wine. This is also fortified and barrel aged and has similar nutty flavors and dried fruit notes as amontillado sherry. Once opened, both Madeira and Marsala wines keep quite well so they are useful to have on hand for cooking as you can add a splash to gravies or other stews.
Do I Need to Refrigerate Amontillado Sherry?
Yes, Amontillado sherry is an oxidative type of sherry and should be refrigerated to keep it at its best. Oxidative types of sherry are more fragile than other styles of wine and are prone to oxidation if not stored properly. The best way to store Amontillado is in a refrigerator, where the temperature and humidity can be controlled. Keep the bottles tightly corked and avoid direct sunlight or large temperature fluctuations, as this could cause the flavor of the sherry to deteriorate.
Serving Amontillado Sherry Chilled
Amontillado sherry should be served well-chilled. This variety of sherry is considered “nutty” in flavor, so the colder temperature helps to bring out the unique flavor profile. To serve Amontillado sherry at its best, store it in a refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Alternatively, you can pour the wine into an ice bucket and let it chill for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoying Amontillado sherry chilled is a great way to enjoy its nutty and complex flavors!
Which Sherry Has The Lowest Sugar Content?
Manzanilla and Fino Sherry wines have the least sugar, with less than 5 grams per litre. These wines are straw-yellow in colour and generally quite dry. They have a delicate and unique flavour profile, with hints of almond and mineral notes, making them popular as an aperitif or a companion to tapas dishes. They are usually served chilled or at room temperature.
What Is The Sweetest Type of Sherry?
The sweetest type of sherry is Pedro Ximenez, often abbreviated as “PX.” It is made from white grapes that have been left to dry in the sun to increase their sugar content. The resulting wine is bold and sweet, with a deep, dark mahogany color and intense raisin and fig aromas. It has a thick, syrupy texture and flavors of dried fruit, caramel, honey, nuts and molasses. PX sherry pairs well with desserts such as chocolate or crème brûlée, as well as with cheese platters or roasted meats.
Is Amontillado Still Being Produced?
Yes, Amontillado is still made today. It is a type of fortified wine made from white grapes that have begun the transformation from Fino to Amontillado. This process involves aging the wine in oak barrels for several years and adding a small amount of brandy to fortify it. The resulting wine has an amber color, nutty flavor, and dry finish. It typically has an alcohol content beteen 15-22% ABV and a sugar content of 5-115 grams per liter. Amontillado can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with food such as nuts, cheese, or seafood dishes.
Drinking Sherry Straight: Is It a Good Idea?
Yes, some people do drink Sherry straight. Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that have been aged and fortified with brandy. It has a complex flavor profile of nutty and sweet notes, with an alcohol content between 15-20%. To truly appreciate the flavors in Sherry, it is best served chilled in a small glass such as a sherry snifter or shot glass. When drinking Sherry straight, it is important to remember that less is more. A 3-ounce pour should be plenty to fully experience its flavor nuances without becoming overwhelmed by the high alcohol content.
The Best-Tasting Sherry
The best tasting sherry depends on a person's personal preferences, but some of the best sherry varieties to try today are Tio Pepe Palomino Fino, Hidalgo Pasada Manzanilla, Valdespino Amontillado Tío Diego, González Byass Leonor Palo Cortado, and Fernando de Castilla Oloroso.
Tio Pepe Palomino Fino is a light and dry sherry with nutty aromas and hints of citrus. Hidalgo Pasada Manzanilla is a light, golden-colored sherry with aromas of green olives and almonds. Valdespino Amontillado Tío Diego has a golden hue with notes of hazelnuts and spice. González Byass Leonor Palo Cortado is a rich amber colour with notes of dried fruit and nuts. Finally, Fernando de Castilla Oloroso is an intense mahogany colour with aromas of dark chocolate and raisins.
Ultimately, the best tasting sherry for you will depend on your individual preferences when it comes to taste, aroma, and colour.
Is Sherry a Stronger Alcoholic Beverage Than Wine?
Yes, sherry is generally stronger than wine due to the addition of grape brandy. Sherry typically clocks in betwen 15% and 20% ABV, whereas nonfortified wines usually have an alcohol content ranging from 9-15%. Therefore, sherry has a higher alcohol content than most wines and can be considered stronger.
How Long Does Sherry Last After Opening?
Sherry can last for 2 to 3 weeks after opening, depending on the type of sherry. Amontillado and Medium Sweet Sherries will last the longest when stored in a sealed bottle, with a shelf life of up to 36 months. However, once opened, they can only be expected to stay good for arond 2 to 3 weeks. Oloroso and Cream Sherries have a similar shelf life when stored in a sealed bottle, with up to 36 months. However, again once opened these types of sherries will only remain good for around 2 to 3 weeks.
Serving Suggestions for Amontillado
Amontillado is a dry, nutty sherry that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or used to enhance the flavors in savory dishes. When served as an aperitif, it pairs well with light snacks such as olives, nuts and cheese. As for main courses, Amontillado's nutty sweetness complements poultry and fish dishes such as chicken, turkey, grilled tuna and soups. It also works wonderfully with earthy mushrooms and truffle dishes. Rice dishes like paella and risotto are perfect accompaniments to this sherry because its sweetness balances out the savory notes of the dish. Similarly, albóndigas (meatballs in tomato sauce) and anchovies on toast make for fantastic pairings due to their saltiness beng cut through by the sweetness of the Amontillado. Finally, green asparagus adds an additional dimension to this pairing with its subtle vegetal notes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amontillado sherry is a unique and complex wine produced through a combination of biological and oxidative aging processes. It is usually a dry style of sherry, with an alcohol content between 16º and 22º. It has distinctive nutty and caramel-like flavors, similar to lighter red wines like oloroso or palo cortado, making it a great choice for tose who enjoy more full-bodied wines. For cooking purposes, dry Marsala wine or Madeira are suitable substitutes for Amontillado sherry. All in all, Amontillado sherry is an excellent addition to any wine collection and can be enjoyed by casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
