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Dessert · Dry to deeply sweet

Sherry

Say it: SHEH-ree

A family of fortified Spanish wines spanning saline and bone-dry to nutty and intensely sweet.

WAlmondSea saltWalnutRaisinCaramel

The short version

What is Sherry?

Authentic Sherry comes from the area around Jerez in southern Spain and matures through a fractional solera system. Flor yeast protects some styles from oxygen; others develop through deliberate oxidation.

Fino can show almond, bread dough, and sea spray; oloroso brings walnut, leather, and spice; Pedro Ximénez is dense with raisin and molasses. Check the style name before assuming sweetness.

In the glass

Flavors to look for

01Almond
02Sea salt
03Walnut
04Raisin
05Caramel

At the table

Food pairings that work

Match the wine’s weight to the dish, then let acidity refresh the palate and savory flavors echo one another.

OlivesAlmondsJamónChocolate desserts

Where it grows

Regions to know

  • Jerez, Spain
  • Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain
  • El Puerto de Santa María, Spain