The cellar index

WineCollection 49

Sherry

From flor-aged freshness to oxidative depth and intensely sweet wines.

Origin & traditionJerez area, Andalusia, Spain

Character & context

Understanding Sherry

Sherry includes several distinct styles. Fino and Manzanilla develop under a yeast layer called flor, while Oloroso matures oxidatively; Amontillado combines stages of both. Pedro Ximénez can be richly sweet, but many classic Sherries are dry. Names, ageing method and sweetness are more useful than treating the category as one after-dinner drink.

Further reading: Sherry Regulatory Council — wine styles

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