Know your sherry

You might associate this tipple with your Gran’s drinks cabinet, but sherry is experiencing a definite revival.

You might associate this tipple with your Gran’s drinks cabinet, but sherry is experiencing a definite revival. With plenty of varieties of this versatile wine available, it’s not just about Harveys Bristol Cream anymore. Find out what’s to be had and how to drink it.

**Fino**
This type of sherry stands at the drier end of the scale, so if you’re fond of dry white wine, give this a go. Serve up fino in a wine glass with ice as a refreshing aperitif, or sip along with a meal as you would a wine. Once you’ve opened a bottle of fino, store it in the fridge and consume within three weeks.

**Manzanilla**
Still quite a dry sherry with a salty edge to it, manzanilla makes a great partner for oily fish such as sardines and anchovies. Treat it in the same way as you would a fino when it comes to serving and storing.

**Amontillado**
This amber coloured sherry is produced from ageing fino, and tastes dry but nutty. Serve slightly chilled and consume within two to three months unless it’s an older, finer wine. Try Harveys Club Classic, Domecq’s ancient Amontillado 51-1A (VORS) and Gonzalez Byass’ Del Duque (VORS).

**Oloroso**
This is a medium-bodied sherry with a smooth texture and is naturally dry, although it comes available in sweeter styles. Try pairing a glass of oloroso with some almonds or a bowlful of sour cherries. Brands worth trying are: Lustau’s Almacenista Pata de Gallina and Domecq’s Sibarita (VORS).

**Palo Cortado**
This sherry is usually a blend of oloroso and amontillado, and has a lovely nutty aroma. Rich, round and smooth on the tongue, palo cortado goes brilliantly with a bowlful of toasted hazelnuts. Try Hidalgo’s Jerez Cortado served at room temperature.

**Cream sherry**
This is where Harvey’s Bristol Cream features and you could do far worse than try this cream sherry served up on ice with a slice of orange. It’s a great drink for hot summer days and tastes completely different to the English serving method, which often results in warm sherry squeezed into the confines of a schooner.

**Moscatel**
A sweet sherry, made from sun-dried grapes and mahogany in colour. This wine, (also referred to as Muscat) has a smooth, sweet texture and should be served at room temperature. Try serving this caramel tasting sherry with raspberries for pudding.

**Pedro Ximenez**
The sweetest wine in the world, Pedro Ximenez is lusciousness in a glass. Made from pressing sun-dried grapes, this rich, viscous sherry is perfect for rounding off a meal, and works well with a cheese board. You can also try pouring it over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

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Written by:** Helenka Bednar