Sherry is a fortified wine produced in the Jerez region of Spain. Sherry is typically made from white grapes, although there are some varieties made from red grapes. Popular Sherry wines include fino, amontillado, oloroso and cream Sherry. The most popular brands of Sherry wine come from the well-known Spanish wineries like Gonzalez Byass, Sandeman and Lustau.
There are also some newer wineries producing exceptional Sherries such as Bodegas Tradicion and Lustau. In addition to these popular brands, there are many other smaller winemakers creating unique and interesting styles of Sherry wine.Sherry is a fortified wine made from grapes grown in the region of Jerez, Spain. It is produced by adding brandy to still wine made from Palomino grapes. The name of the wine comes from the town of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, where it has been made for centuries. Sherry comes in a variety of styles, ranging from light and dry to sweet and dark. In addition to being enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, Sherry is an important ingredient in many traditional dishes and cocktails.
The production process begins with the blending of white wines typically made from Palomino grapes. These wines are then fortified with brandy and aged in barrels. Depending on the style desired, the aging process can last anywhere from six months to several decades. During this time, a layer of yeast called “flor” will form over the surface of the wine which helps protect it from oxidation.
Sherry can be divided into four primary styles – fino, manzanilla, amontillado and oloroso – each of which has its own unique character. Fino is light and dry with a pale straw colour and aromas of almonds and apples; Manzanilla is similar but slightly more delicate; Amontillado is darker in colour with nutty aromas; and Oloroso is dark amber in colour with intense dried fruit flavours.
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Types of Sherry Wines
Sherry wines are produced from white grapes grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. These unique wines are made in a variety of styles and can be either dry or sweet. The main types of Sherry wines include Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez.
Fino Sherry is a pale yellow color with a dry, light body and high acidity. It has notes of almonds and hazelnuts on the palate with a salty finish. Manzanilla is similar to Fino but has a slightly saltier taste due to being aged near the sea.
Amontillado is an oxidized style of Sherry that has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels. It has an amber color with nutty flavors such as almonds and hazelnuts and notes of dried fruit on the palate. Palo Cortado is an oxidized style of Sherry that begins as a Fino but develops more body and complexity over time due to aging in oak barrels for at least five years.
Oloroso Sherry is an oxidized and fortified wine that has been aged for at least three years in oak barrels. It has notes of raisins, figs, walnuts, coffee, tobacco and spices on the palate with a full body and long finish. Pedro Ximénez is a sweet dessert wine made from Pedro Ximenez grapes that have been sun-dried before fermentation takes place. It has flavors of raisins, dates, figs and caramelized sugar on the palate with a syrupy texture.
The History of Sherry Wines
Sherry is a fortified wine that originated in the Spanish region of Jerez de la Frontera. It has been produced since the 15th century and it has become an iconic drink in Spain, with many styles and expressions. Sherry is made from white grapes grown in the region, which are fermented and aged for several years in oak casks. The aging process gives sherry its unique flavor, aroma and color.
Sherry has a long history, with references to it found as far back as the 8th century when it was known as ‘Xerse’ or ‘Sherish’. During its development, several different styles emerged, including Fino, Manzanilla, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez.
Today, sherry is produced using traditional methods which involve aging the wine in oak barrels for several years to develop its unique flavor profile. The aging process also helps to preserve the wine for longer periods of time. Sherry can be enjoyed on its own or used to make cocktails or food dishes such as paella.
Sherry has become an important part of Spanish culture over the centuries and is now enjoyed around the world by wine enthusiasts who appreciate its complexity and depth of flavor. There are many different styles of sherry available today which range from dry to sweet, making it a versatile drink that can be enjoyed by all types of palates.
Popular Sherry Wine Brands
Sherry wine is a type of fortified wine produced in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda regions of Spain. It is made from white grapes that are harvested and then fermented with brandy. Sherry has a distinct flavor that comes from the oxidative aging process, which gives it a unique nutty, sweet taste. The most popular sherry wines are Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, Cream, and Moscatel.
Fino is the lightest and driest type of sherry wine. It has a pale straw color and delicate nutty flavor. It is best served chilled as an aperitif or with lighter foods such as salads or seafood.
Amontillado is medium-dry and has an amber color with nutty flavors and hints of caramel. It pairs well with cured meats, aged cheeses, and desserts such as flans or crème brûlée.
Oloroso is full-bodied and dark in color with intense flavors of hazelnut, dried fruits, leather, tobacco, and spices like clove or cinnamon. It pairs well with roast meats or hard cheeses such as manchego.
Palo Cortado is similar to an Amontillado but drier and more complex in flavor. Its flavor profile includes notes of nuts, dried fruits, leather, tobacco smoke and spices like cinnamon or cloves. It pairs well with cured meats or aged cheeses such as manchego or Manchego Curado de Cinco Meses.
Cream sherry is sweet and fortified with brandy giving it its distinctive sweetness. It has aromas of vanilla and raisins along with flavors of caramelized sugar and toasted nuts making it perfect for dessert wines or after dinner drinks.
Moscatel is a sweet dessert wine made from Muscat grapes that have been sun-dried before fermentation to give it its distinctive flavor profile including notes of honeycomb, orange peel, apricot jam, dates and raisins along with hints of cinnamon or clove on the finish making it perfect for pairing with cakes or other desserts such as flan or crema catalana
History
Manuel María González Angel was born in 1827 in Jerez de la Frontera. He was the son of a wine grower, Juan Antonio González, and immediately began to learn the trade. In 1844 he founded the company Manuel María González Byass, which is still run by his descendants today. Over the years, Manuel María has become one of the most renowned producers of sherry wines in Spain. The company has won numerous awards and accolades for its quality products and services.
Philosophy
At González Byass, they believe that quality is key to making great wines. They focus on using only the best grapes and ensuring that their wines are carefully crafted with attention to detail. They also strive to be environmentally conscious in their production methods, using sustainable practices whenever possible. Their commitment to quality has earned them a reputation as one of the finest producers of sherry wines in Spain.
Products
González Byass produces a wide range of sherry wines, including fino, amontillado and oloroso styles. All of their products are made from grapes grown on their own vineyards in Jerez de la Frontera. They also offer a selection of other Spanish wines such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat as well as some international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
History of Lustau
Lustau is a family-run wine bodega based in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, which has been producing and selling wine since the late 1800s. Founded by Don José Ruiz-Berdejo y Veyan in 1896, the winery has grown to become one of the most respected and acclaimed wineries in Spain. The winery produces several different styles of wines, including sherry and brandy, as well as other fortified wines such as Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez. Lustau’s wines are made with grapes sourced from vineyards in the Jerez region, and they are aged in a combination of American oak barrels, French oak barrels, and soleras.
Lustau Winemaking Process
The winemaking process at Lustau is based on traditional methods that have been passed down from generation to generation. The grapes used for their wines come from vineyards located in the Jerez region of Spain, where the climate is ideal for growing high quality grapes. The wine is then aged using a combination of American oak barrels, French oak barrels and soleras. Additionally, Lustau uses a unique process called criadera y solera which involves aging their wines for up to 10 years before bottling them. The result is a unique flavor profile that sets Lustau apart from other wineries.
Lustau Wine Awards
Over the years, Lustau has received numerous awards for its outstanding wines. In 2017 they were awarded “Best Sherry House” by the International Wine Challenge, while their Fino En Rama was named “Best Sherry” at the same competition. Additionally, they have won awards at major competitions such as Decanter World Wine Awards and International Spirits Challenge over the years. This recognition further cements Lustau’s status as one of Spain’s premier wine producers.
Conclusion
Lustau is an award-winning wine bodega that has been producing high-quality Spanish wines since 1896. Their traditional winemaking processes result in complex flavors that have earned them numerous awards over the years. Whether you are looking for a bottle of sherry or brandy to enjoy on its own or as part of a meal, you can be sure that Lustau will provide you with an exceptional experience every time!
A Brief History of Bodegas Tradición
Bodegas Tradición is a family-run winery based in Jerez de la Frontera, in the heart of the Sherry Triangle. Founded in 1891 by Don José Ruiz-Berdejo y Verea, it is one of the oldest wineries still in existence today. Since its inception, it has been dedicated to producing some of the finest Sherries and Manzanillas using traditional winemaking techniques and aging methods. The vineyards are located on the slopes of the Sierra de San Cristóbal mountain range, and they produce a range of different wines from local grape varieties such as Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel de Chipiona and others.
Winemaking Process at Bodegas Tradición
The winemaking process at Bodegas Tradición is based on centuries-old traditions. The grapes are picked by hand and then fermented in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to oak barrels for aging. The barrels are made from American oak that has been air-dried for at least two years prior to use. This allows the oak to impart its unique flavor to the wine while still preserving its delicate aromas and flavors. After aging for several months or years (depending on the type of wine being made), it is then bottled and ready for consumption.
Highlights from Bodegas Tradición
Bodegas Tradición produces some truly exceptional wines, including their flagship Amontillado Viejo Pata de Gallina which has been aged for more than 40 years! They also produce a range of Manzanillas such as their La Guita Manzanilla Pasada and their La Goya Manzanilla Pasada which have both been aged for 12 years before bottling. Finally, they also offer a selection of sweet wines such as their Venerable Palo Cortado VORS which has been aged for more than 30 years!
History
Founded in 1999, Bodegas Fernando de Castilla is a boutique sherry house located in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Its founder and master blender, Fernando de Castilla, has been crafting premium sherries for over two decades. The winery has a long tradition of producing authentic Sherries with traditional methods and fine aging processes. With its deep roots in the culture and traditions of Jerez, Bodegas Fernando de Castilla is committed to preserving the heritage of Sherry making while continuing to innovate and explore new styles of Sherry production.
Wines
Bodegas Fernando de Castilla produces several varieties of Sherry, from dry Fino and Manzanilla styles to sweeter Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel. All the wines are made with hand-harvested grapes from vineyards in the Jerez area that are then fermented with natural yeasts and aged in American oak casks for varying lengths of time. The winery also produces limited edition wines such as their Antique Fino Amontillado, which is aged for an average of 20 years before being bottled.
Awards
Bodegas Fernando de Castilla has been recognized internationally for its commitment to quality. The winery has won numerous awards over the years, including Best Producer at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in 2019 and Best Value Producer at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) in 2020. The winery was also named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wineries of 2020.
Philosophy
At Bodegas Fernando de Castilla, quality is paramount. They believe that great wines come from great grapes grown by passionate people who understand their craft and respect nature. Their philosophy is to create wines that express terroir as truthfully as possible while respecting traditional methods of winemaking.
Final Words
Sherry is a fortified wine which is produced in Spain. It is a unique and complex wine, with a variety of styles to choose from. Some of the most popular Sherry brands include Gonzalez Byass, Lustau, Bodegas Tradicion, and Barbadillo. These Sherry wines offer something for everyone, from dry and nutty styles to sweet and fruity varieties. No matter what your preference, you can find a Sherry wine that suits your taste.
In conclusion, Sherry is an incredibly versatile and delicious fortified wine. With its rich history and wide variety of styles to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for sweet or dry, light or full-bodied, you’ll be able to find the perfect Sherry wine to enjoy.
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