Sherry and Spanish Tapas: A Match Made in Heaven

A Historical Perspective

Sherry, known as "Jerez" in Spain, has a storied history dating back thousands of years. The first documented mention of sherry dates to around 1 BC, with references to vines brought by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. To be considered authentic, sherry must come from the "Sherry Triangle," a region in Andalusia bordered by Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Types of Sherry

Dry Sherries: Fino and Manzanilla

• Fino: Pale, dry, and delicately flavored, Fino is often served as an aperitif. It pairs well with jamón, chorizo, mild cheeses, white fish, and seafood.
• Manzanilla: Similar to Fino but with a salty, nuttier taste. It is also versatile and complements a variety of tapas.

Medium-Dry Sherries: Amontillado and Oloroso

• Amontillado: Golden amber in color with a dry, nutty taste. Ideal for pairing with poultry, game, robust cheeses, and oily fish like sardines and mackerel.
• Oloroso: Darker and richer, this sherry is perfect for red meats and stronger game dishes.

Sweet Sherries: Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez

• Moscatel: A softer, sweet wine that pairs well with desserts and blue cheeses.
• Pedro Ximénez: Rich and dark, this sherry is a dessert in a glass, perfect for pairing with sweets and pastries.

Specialty Sherries: Palo Cortado and Pale Cream

• Palo Cortado: A rare sherry that is a cross between Amontillado and Oloroso. It pairs well with rich foods like game and strong cheeses.
• Pale Cream: A sweetened Fino, it goes well with rich pâtés like foie gras, fresh fruit, and nuts.

Commonly Found Sherry: Cream

• Cream: A dessert wine similar to Pedro Ximénez but less rich and expensive. It pairs well with sweets, pastries, and blue cheeses.

Serving Your Sherry

Glassware

The best glasses for sherry are thin, transparent "copitas," designed to enhance the wine's aroma and flavor. If you don't have copitas, a champagne flute or even a wine glass will suffice.

Temperature

• Fino and Manzanilla: Serve chilled and consume within a few weeks of opening.
• Amontillado: Best at cool room temperature but can be refrigerated once opened.
• Oloroso, Creams, and Pedro Ximénez: Serve at room temperature. These can be stored for years unopened and months once opened.

Storage

Unopened bottles should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them upright with the cork firmly in place to prevent oxidation.

Interesting Stats

• Sherry Production: Spain produces around 50 million liters of sherry annually, with 90% of it coming from the Sherry Triangle. Source: Consejo Regulador Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
• Global Consumption: The UK is the largest consumer of sherry outside Spain, accounting for 40% of exports. Source: The Drinks Business
• Aging Process: Some sherries are aged for over 30 years, adding to their complexity and depth of flavor. Source: Decanter

Conclusion

The best way to enjoy sherry and tapas is to gather some friends, prepare a variety of tapas dishes, and open a bottle of your favorite sherry. This traditional Spanish experience is not just about the food and drink but also about the joy of sharing and savoring each moment.

By understanding the different types of sherry and their ideal pairings, you can elevate your tapas experience to new heights. So, next time you enjoy tapas, don't forget to pour a glass of sherry and toast to this timeless tradition.