08 Nov 2023
When it comes to wine, we often find ourselves immersed in the world of reds and whites, with the occasional detour into sparkling wines. But there’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition – Sherry.
My first proper immersion into the world of sherry was back in 2015 when joining the M&S buying team on a trip to Jerez. I couldn’t quite believe it when I sat down late at night in the middle of Bodegas Willams and Humberts, ready to enjoy a three-course meal, only to find it accompanied by nine glasses of sherry. And the next morning we kicked off at Lustau with a 70 strong sherry tasting event – not for the faint hearted!
Anyway, as half a million people from around the world celebrate International Sherry Week (November 6-12), Penny Edwards, from Cellar Door Wines, and I, though it was the perfect time to delve into the history, origins, and allure of this versatile fortified wine, with a special nod to the iconic Tio Pepe brand.
What is Sherry?
Sherry, often misunderstood and underestimated, is a fortified wine with a rich history and a unique character. It hails from the sun-soaked region of the Sherry Triangle in southern Spain, where the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María converge. Sherry is not just one flavour, but a spectrum of styles, each with its distinct personality.
One of the secrets to Sherry’s complexity is the solera system, a fractional blending process that allows different vintages to mingle and evolve over time. From the bone-dry and briny Fino Sherry to the nutty and nuanced Amontillado, and the rich, robust Oloroso, there’s a Sherry for every palate.
Whether you’re enjoying it as an aperitif or pairing it with a variety of foods, Sherry offers an exquisite experience for wine enthusiasts.
Where it comes from?
Sherry’s identity is deeply intertwined with its place of origin. The unique character of Sherry is attributed to the region’s special climate and soil. The relentless Andalusian sun and the moist sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean contribute to the distinct aging process of the wines. Sherry grapes, primarily Palomino Fino, grow in the albariza soil, rich in chalk and limestone. This terroir imparts an unmistakable minerality to Sherry, enhancing its character.
The ’Tio Pepe’ brand
One name that stands out in the world of Sherry is Tio Pepe. Founded by the esteemed González Byass family, Tio Pepe has become an emblematic brand in the Sherry realm. Instantly recognizable by its label featuring a gentleman with a hat, Tio Pepe represents a legacy of quality and tradition.
Tio Pepe’s Fino Sherry is an ambassador of Sherry’s finest attributes. It boasts a pale, golden hue, with a delicate aroma of almonds and a crisp, bone-dry flavour that awakens the senses. Sip a glass of Tio Pepe Fino, and you’ll discover the essence of Andalusia, captured in a bottle. This Sherry is the perfect companion for tapas, seafood, or even as a refreshing aperitif.
A Fantastic Sherry Sampler (£25 at Cellar Door Wines)
Now many of you may be thinking what on earth is he doing tasting and recommending sherry, but believe me, sherry has something for everyone and is so versatile it will enhance every gastronomic experience. It’s also a fantastic ingredient for cocktail lovers, in fact sherry cocktails were included in the first ever printed cocktail recipe book in 1862, the Jerry Thomas Bartenders Guide.
So, if you are unsure about how and where to get started the Tio Pepe Sherry Tasting Tin is absolutely the place to start.
Each 50ml bottle is a unique experience, showcasing the diversity of Sherry styles.
Let’s delve into more detail about each of these sherry wines and what sets their taste profiles apart…
Tio Pepe Fino Muy Seco (15% ABV)
Tio Pepe Fino is known for its exceptional dryness and pale, straw-like colour. It has a crisp, bracing acidity and a pronounced salty, mineral quality. The primary grape used, Palomino, contributes to its light, delicate flavour.
Cristina Medium Sherry (17.5% ABV)
Cristina Medium Sherry offers a balanced flavour profile. It is neither extremely dry nor very sweet. Expect notes of nuts, dried fruits, and caramel. This sherry achieves its character through careful blending.
Viña AB 12 Year Old Amontillado Seco Sherry (16.5% ABV)
This Amontillado is unique, undergoing a dual aging process. It starts as a Fino and matures into an Amontillado. The result is a complex sherry with nutty, almond, and hints of oak flavours. It’s moderately dry and exhibits a wonderful depth of character.
Alfonso Oloroso Seco Sherry (18% ABV)
Alfonso Oloroso is a deeply dry sherry with a robust and intense character. It boasts rich flavours of toasted nuts, dark caramel, and spices. Its high alcohol content contributes to its full-bodied and complex taste.
Nectar Pedro Ximénez Dulce Sherry (15% ABV)
Pedro Ximénez grapes are sun-dried to create this sweet sherry. It is incredibly rich and syrupy, with flavours of raisins, figs, and toffee. The sweetness is the result of a slow fermentation process.
Solera 1847 Cream Sherry (18% ABV)
A harmonious blend of dry Oloroso and sweet Pedro Ximénez sherries. This results in a well-balanced and moderately sweet sherry with notes of dried fruits, caramel, and spices.
My personal favourites were the Nectar Pedro Ximénez Dulce and the Solera 1847 Cream Sherry, these are rich, delicious and just screaming out for the dessert menu.
What distinguishes these sherry wines is their grape variety, aging process, and alcohol content. The Palomino grape gives dryness to Fino and Amontillado, while the Pedro Ximénez grape provides sweetness to the Dulce and Cream sherry. The aging process, whether under flor (yeast) or oxidatively, also plays a significant role in shaping their taste profiles. This diverse selection offers a range of sherry experiences for enthusiasts to explore.
This Sherry Wine set offers a diverse tasting experience, making it an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates the nuances of Sherry or wants to explore the world of wine.
International Sherry Week is not just a moment to enjoy a glass of Sherry; it’s a chance to embrace a centuries-old tradition, a product of its unique region and heritage. The Sherry Triangle is a testament to the harmonious marriage of terroir and tradition, creating a wine that’s as multifaceted as it is captivating.
As you raise your glass during International Sherry Week, remember the stories that Sherry and brands like Tio Pepe tell. These are stories of culture, history, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Explore the world of Sherry, appreciate the craftsmanship behind every drop, and join the global celebration of this remarkable wine.
And finally, for those who are already sherry lovers, or become sherry converts after enjoying the tasting tin, Penny and her team have a wider range of sherries available, including the standout Fernado Castilla sherries who will be hosting their sherry and tapas event this week. For all upcoming wine events, including Hertfordshire Christmas wine event which is not to be missed, head over to the Cellar Door Wines website, or pop into one of the shops for more details.
If you’re enjoying my recommendations, then please follow me on Instagram @dmc_uncorked. And if you are a wine retailer or an events company who would like me to feature your range of wines, then please contact me via mccabetwe@gmail.com
