Sherry is a fortified wine that originates from the Sherry Triangle in southern Spain. It is known for its unique flavors and wide variety of styles, ranging from dry to sweet. Each style of Sherry pairs well with different types of food, enhancing both the wine and the dish. In this guide, we will explore the various Sherry wine styles and provide recommendations for food pairings.
Dry Sherries
Dry Sherries, such as Fino and Manzanilla, are pale, light-bodied wines with a crisp and tangy taste. They are best enjoyed as an aperitif and pair well with a variety of tapas and seafood dishes. The salty and briny flavors of Fino and Manzanilla complement foods like olives, almonds, anchovies, and shellfish. They also pair nicely with delicate flavors like sushi, ceviche, and goat cheese.
Suggested Food Pairings:
For Fino Sherry, try pairing it with marinated olives and almond-stuffed dates. The nutty and salty flavors of the olives and dates complement the dryness of the wine. Cooking Wine
sauce with Fino Sherry is also a popular choice, as the wine’s delicate flavors enhance the dish without overpowering it. For Manzanilla Sherry, pair it with fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, or grilled sardines. The briny flavors of the seafood complement the wine’s tanginess.
Amontillado and Palo Cortado Sherries
Amontillado and Palo Cortado Sherries are medium-bodied wines with complex flavors. They start as Fino or Manzanilla Sherries but undergo additional aging and oxidation, resulting in a richer and nuttier profile. These Sherries pair well with dishes that have a stronger flavor profile, such as cured meats, aged cheeses, and mushroom-based dishes.
Suggested Food Pairings:
Pair Amontillado Sherry with slices of Jamón Ibérico, a Spanish cured ham, or aged cheddar cheese. The nutty and caramel flavors of the Sherry complement the richness of the meat and cheese. For Palo Cortado Sherry, try pairing it with wild mushroom risotto or roasted pork tenderloin. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the richness of the pork enhance the wine’s complexity.
Oloroso Sherries
Oloroso Sherries are full-bodied, amber-colored wines with a rich and intense flavor profile. They are fortified to a higher alcohol level and have undergone extensive aging and oxidation. Oloroso Sherries pair well with hearty and robust dishes, such as stews, roasted meats, blue cheeses, and chocolate desserts.
Suggested Food Pairings:
Pair Oloroso Sherry with braised beef short ribs or a hearty beef stew, as the wine’s bold flavors can stand up to the richness and depth of these dishes. The nutty and caramel notes in the wine also complement blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton. For dessert, try pairing Oloroso Sherry with a dark chocolate tart or flourless chocolate cake. The wine’s sweetness and complexity enhance the richness of the chocolate.
Sweet Sherries
Sweet Sherries, such as Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Cream Sherries, are lusciously sweet wines with a syrupy consistency. They are often enjoyed as dessert wines or paired with rich and creamy desserts. Sweet Sherries also work well as a topping for vanilla ice cream or drizzled over fresh fruit.
Suggested Food Pairings:
Pair PX Sherry with indulgent desserts like chocolate mousse or crème brûlée. The wine’s sweetness and richness complement the creamy textures and flavors of these desserts. Cream Sherries, which are a blend of Oloroso and PX Sherries, pair well with nut-based desserts like pecan pie or almond cake. The wine’s caramel and nutty flavors complement the sweetness of the dessert.
Now that you have a guide to pairing food with Sherry wine styles, you can confidently experiment with different combinations to enhance your dining experience. Whether you prefer dry or sweet Sherries, there is a style and a dish that will complement each other perfectly. Cheers!