Fino Sherry (Spain)
Sherry is a fortified white wine from Andalusia.
Fino from Jerez is the most dry of the traditional sherrys.
Fino Flavors
The maturation under Flor results in a Yeasty flavour profile with notes of Dough, Almonds and Mediterranean Herbs. Fino Sherry also has Mineral notes and a slightly sharp Salinity.
 Citrus |
 Apple |
 Olive |
 Chamomile |
 Dough |
 Almond |
 Wild Herbs |
 Salt |
Fino Profile
Fino Sherry and Manzanilla is Light, Crisp and Dry.
| SUGAR: | 3 g/l |
| BODY: | Medium - Light |
| ACIDITY: | Medium |
| ALCOHOL | 15% |
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Serving temperature: 6-8°C 43-46°F |
Fino Food Pairing
Fino has an extraordinary ability to stimulate taste. It is an ideal Aperitif to prepare the palate for food.
 Aperitif |
 Tapas |
 Olives |
 Ham |
 Vinagrette |
 Seafood |
 Sashimi |
 Fresh Cheese |
Tapas
Fino goes well with all Tapas:
Almonds. Nuts. Peanuts. Salty Chips.
Olives. Croquettes. Tortilla.
Cold Cuts
Jamon Serrano. Iberian Ham. Coritzo and other cold cuts.
Seafood
Fried Fish. Clams. Shellfish.Smoked Salmon. Sushi. Sashimi. Tempura.
Starters
Fino pairs well with fresh starters:
Vinagrette. Salads. Marinades.
Dim Sum. Ceviche. Guacamole.
Cheese
Young Fresh Cheese. Feta. Goat Cheese. Young Manchego.Spanish Specialities
Patatas Bravas.
Pan con Tomate.
Clams cooked with Sherry.
Roasted Sardines.
Cold soups. Andalusian Gazpacho, Ajoblanco or Salmorejo.
About Sherry
Sherry is a fortified white wine from the region of Jerez in Andalusia, Southern Spain: one of the most southerly winegrowing regions in Europe (latitude 36º North).
Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria mark the three corners of the famous "Sherry Triangle".
The sea breeze, the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the hot and dry climate, the 3 soils (Albariza, Barros, Arenas), the typical grapes (Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel) and biological aging are the secrets to make Sherry.
Albariza soil covers 90% of the Jerez Sherry vineyards.
In spite of the hot and dry climate, in the DO Sherry it is not permitted irrigation.
The special chalky soil stores the winter rainfall and distributes the moisture to the vines during the dry season. Also the sea winds bring moist to the vines.
Sherry Styles
Sherry can be Dry or Sweet.
Sherry can be aged with or without Flor.
Most types are produced from the local Palomino grape.
Dry Sherrys (Generosos) comes in 3 Main Styles:
(Sugar in grams/litre)
| Style | Grape | Floor | Sugar | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fino | Palomino | Yes | 0-5 | 15-18% |
| Amontillado | Palomino | Hybrid | 0-5 | 18-20% |
| Oloroso | Palomino | No | 0-5 | 18-22% |
Sweet Sherrys (Generosos de Licor) comes in 4 styles:
| Style | Grape | Flor | Sugar | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pale Cream | Palomino | Yes | 45-115 | 15-20% |
| Medium Dry | Palomino | Hybrid | 5-45 | 16-22% |
| Medium Sweet | Palomino | Hybrid | 45-115 | 16-22% |
| Cream | Palomino | No | 115-140 | 16-22% |
Natural Sweet Sherrys (Dulces Naturales):
| Style | Grape | Flor | Sugar | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro Ximénez | Pedro Ximénez (PX) | No | 212+ | 15-22% |
| Moscatel | Moscatel de Alejandria | No | 160+ | 15-22% |
DO Jerez–Xérès–Sherry
The Sherry Triangle
The Jerez wine region is a part of the Sherry Triangle, a triangular land mass formed by the towns of:
- Jerez de la Frontera
- Sanlúcar de Barrameda
- El Puerto de Santa Maria
Jerez de la Frontera is a city and municipality in the province of Cádiz in Andalusia in Spain. It is famous for its fortified Sherry wines.
The Sherry Triangle (Jerez-Xérès-Sherry) in the province of Cádiz, is renowned for producing Sherry, a fortified wine made primarily from Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes.
Sherry is produced using a unique aging process known as the solera system, which involves fractional blending of wines from different vintages.
The region's chalky albariza soils, warm climate, and coastal influences contribute to the distinctive flavors and styles of Sherry, including Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez.
Climate
Jerez has specific climatic conditions. The winters are mild and the summers very hot and sunny (temperatures often hit 40º C).
In spite of the hot climate, the amount of rain Jerez receives is high. With 650 mm per year, it can compete with England.
Winds
From the Atlantic, the Poniente brings humidity and a cooling effect. The Levante from the Spanish inland, brings hot air and drier conditions. The two winds meet in Jerez and contribute to the peculiar environmental conditions that allow the unique biological ageing of Sherry wines.
Dry Sherry | Sweet Sherry |
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Black Grapes | Sherry Grapes |
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Albariza Limestone
Albariza Limestone Soil covers 90% of the Jerez Sherry vineyards. This chalky soil stores the winter rain and distributes the moisture to the vines in the dry season.
Albariza Limestone has similar characteristics to the soil in Chablis and Champagne.
In Jerez, an algae called diatoms, were deposited during the formation of the Guadalquivir river. Later when the seawater receded, the skeletons were deposited, forming the chalky albariza soils which Jerez is known for today.
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