Far, far too many drinkers are disregarding Sherry as an overly sweet, fortified wine that only your Nan drinks and missing out on a really varied and delicious world.
With Christmas coming up, there is no better time to give it another go, because between the tangy crispness of the paler expressions, and the richer complexity of the darker liquids, you’re bound to find one you fall in love with.
We’ll touch on the styles as we go, but for a more detailed breakdown, check out our handy ABC Guide to Sherry Styles.
Fino
Tio Pepe Fino
When it comes to Sherry, Fino is the epitome of bone-dry crispness. Palomino fino grapes (hence the name) are what’s used, and this Tio Pepe Fino is so dry, with no sweetness. Instead, it cuts through with salted almonds and umami touches, and makes an incredible dance partner with salty snacks. It won’t be for everyone, but those that love it really love it.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £13 Sainsbury’s (£10 Nectar price)
Manzanilla
M. Antonio de la Riva Manzanilla Fina Miraflores Baja N.V.
Manzanilla styles like this take on the salts in the soil and the air from being made in the port of Sanlúcar, as well as humidity meaning more yeast (flor), and therefore more protection against oxygen… meaning supreme lightness and freshness. This is a particularly complex Manzanilla, with nutty, olive-y lightness and salinity right through to the finish.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £24.50
Amontillado
Gonzalez Byass Vina AB Amontillado
Amontillado Sherry takes up a similar position to Fino, but with more exposure to oxygen in the oak barrels (butts) and longer ageing, there’s a noticeably darker colouring and complexity, with richer, nutty flavours. This Gonzales Byass is a fantastic representative of the style, bringing super smooth, intense, almonds and raisins. The nose is sweeter than the palate, which is wonderfully dry, with a savoury umami profile.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.50
Palo Cortado
Very Rare Palo Cortado
This style falls somewhere between Amontillado and Oloroso, delivering freshness from the former, and complex body from the latter. It’s the trendiest style of Sherry if you want to look like you know what you’re talking about, and this bottle is delivers dry intensity with citrus tang, as well as plummy almond notes.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £8.50
Pedro Ximenez
San Emilio Pedro Ximenez Solera Reserva Emilio Lustau - HALF BOTTLE
PX is where you go for your sweetness, named after the grape, that makes it, and therefore standing out from the other styles. Semi-dried grapes give all that natural sweetness, the texture is far treaclier, and the colour is an extremely dark red. The prestigious Lustau are behind this indulgent Sherry, filled out with lush chocolatey raisins, dried figs and toffee.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £13.65
Oloroso
Sandeman Armada Superior Cream Oloroso Sherry
One of the most famous styles, Olorosos like this develop because of a lack of yeast (flor), so you get a deliciously dark, rich, and complex expression like this mahogany gem, with notes like cocoa and fig popping up and a velvety lingering aftertaste.
Size: 500ml
ABV: 17.5%
Find here: £11
If you’re after more recommendations for drinkers to stock up on this Christmas, or perfect gifts, then we’ve got tonnes of guides up on the site now, like Rum, Gin and Champagne.