Where Can I Buy Sherry Wine?

Where Can I Buy Sherry Wine?: Your Ultimate Guide

Sherry wine can be found at a wide range of retailers, including specialty wine shops, larger grocery stores with extensive wine selections, online wine merchants, and even some department stores. The key is knowing what you’re looking for and where to find the best selection and prices.

Understanding Sherry: A Brief Introduction

Sherry, a fortified wine from the Jerez region of Spain, boasts a rich history and diverse range of styles. It’s often misunderstood, relegated to a dusty bottle at the back of the liquor cabinet. But sherry offers a complex and delightful drinking experience, perfect as an aperitif, accompaniment to food, or even a contemplative after-dinner drink. This article will guide you to the best places to purchase this versatile wine.

Deciphering Sherry Styles

Before embarking on your sherry-buying journey, understanding the different styles is crucial. Each offers a unique profile and pairing suggestion.

• Fino: Dry, pale, and intensely flavorful, aged under a layer of yeast called flor.
• Manzanilla: Similar to Fino, but aged in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, resulting in a slightly salty tang.
• Amontillado: Starts as Fino or Manzanilla, then ages oxidatively, developing nutty and amber notes.
• Oloroso: Oxidatively aged from the start, resulting in a richer, more full-bodied wine with notes of dried fruit and walnuts.
• Palo Cortado: A rare and enigmatic style that begins like a Fino but develops the body of an Oloroso.
• Pedro Ximénez (PX): Made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, resulting in an intensely sweet and luscious dessert wine.
• Cream Sherry: A sweetened Oloroso, offering a rich and comforting experience.

Brick-and-Mortar Options: Where to Look Locally

Your local options can vary depending on your location, but here are some common places to start your sherry search:

• Specialty Wine Shops: These often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the nuances of different sherry styles and producers. They’re more likely to carry a wider selection of premium and hard-to-find sherries.
• Grocery Stores with Wine Sections: While the selection might be more limited, some larger grocery chains dedicate significant space to wine and may carry a decent range of popular sherry styles. Look for brands like Harvey’s Bristol Cream or Tio Pepe.
• Liquor Stores: Similar to grocery stores, liquor stores offer a convenient option, but the selection can be inconsistent. Focus on well-known brands if you’re unsure.
• Department Stores (with Wine Departments): High-end department stores may offer a curated selection of wines, including some sherry options.

Online Retailers: Expanding Your Horizons

The internet opens up a world of sherry possibilities. Online retailers offer a vast selection, competitive pricing, and the convenience of doorstep delivery.

• Specialty Online Wine Merchants: These sites often specialize in fine wines and have detailed information about each sherry, including tasting notes, producer information, and food pairing suggestions. Wine.com, Sherry-Lehmann, and Astor Wines & Spirits are good starting points.
• General Online Retailers: Amazon and other large online retailers are starting to carry more wine, including sherry, but be cautious about the storage conditions and authenticity of the products. Read reviews carefully.

Budget Considerations: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Sherry prices vary widely depending on the style, producer, and age.

Remember that these are just estimates, and prices can fluctuate. Don’t be afraid to explore different price points, as excellent sherry can be found at various levels.

Reading Sherry Labels: Key Information to Look For

Understanding what the label tells you is vital. Look for the following:

• Style: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, etc.
• Producer: The name of the Sherry house (e.g., Lustau, Gonzalez Byass).
• Region of Origin: “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry” guarantees authenticity.
• Alcohol Content: Usually between 15% and 22%.
• Sugar Content (for Sweet Sherries): Indicates the level of sweetness.

Storage and Serving: Optimizing Your Sherry Experience

Proper storage and serving enhance the enjoyment of your sherry.

• Storage: Store sherry in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Unopened bottles can last for years. Once opened, Finos and Manzanillas should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days. Other styles can last longer (weeks or even months).
• Serving Temperature: Fino and Manzanilla are best served chilled (45-50°F). Amontillado and Oloroso are enjoyable slightly cooler than room temperature (60-65°F). Pedro Ximénez can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Glassware: Use a tulip-shaped sherry glass to concentrate the aromas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Sherry always sweet?

No, not at all! While some sherries, like Pedro Ximénez and Cream Sherry, are intensely sweet, the majority of sherry styles, including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso, are bone dry or have only a hint of sweetness.

How long does sherry last once opened?

The longevity of opened sherry depends on the style. Fino and Manzanilla are the most delicate and should be consumed within a few days of opening, stored in the refrigerator. Amontillado and Oloroso can last for several weeks, and sweet sherries like PX can last for months if properly stored.

What is the best sherry for beginners?

A Fino or Manzanilla is a great starting point. They are refreshing, dry, and pair well with a variety of foods. Alternatively, an Amontillado offers a slightly richer and nuttier experience without being overly complex.

What is the difference between Sherry and Port?

Both Sherry and Port are fortified wines, but they are produced in different regions (Sherry in Spain, Port in Portugal) and from different grape varieties. Sherry is generally drier than Port and has a more diverse range of styles.

Can I use sherry in cooking?

Yes! Sherry is a fantastic ingredient in cooking, adding depth and complexity to savory dishes. Dry sherries like Fino and Amontillado are excellent in soups, sauces, and stews. Sweet sherries like Pedro Ximénez can be used in desserts.

What foods pair well with sherry?

Sherry is incredibly food-friendly. Fino and Manzanilla pair well with tapas, seafood, and olives. Amontillado complements nuts, cheese, and cured meats. Oloroso pairs with red meat and game. Pedro Ximénez is a delicious accompaniment to ice cream and chocolate desserts.

What does “flor” mean in relation to sherry?

Flor is a layer of yeast that grows on the surface of the wine in the barrel during the aging process. It protects the wine from oxidation and imparts distinctive flavors and aromas, particularly in Fino and Manzanilla sherries.

Why is sherry fortified?

Sherry is fortified with grape spirit (brandy) to increase its alcohol content, which helps to stabilize the wine and prevent spoilage. Fortification also influences the wine’s flavor profile and aging potential.

What is “en rama” sherry?

“En rama” refers to sherry that is bottled with minimal filtration, preserving its natural flavors and aromas. It is often considered a more authentic and intense expression of the sherry style.

Are all sherries made from Palomino grapes?

While Palomino is the primary grape variety used for dry sherries, Pedro Ximénez grapes are used to make the intensely sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, and Moscatel grapes are sometimes used for sweet dessert sherries.

What is the significance of the “Sherry Triangle”?

The “Sherry Triangle” refers to the geographical area in Andalusia, Spain, comprising the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. This region is the only place in the world where authentic sherry can be produced.

Is Cream Sherry considered high-quality sherry?

Cream Sherry can be of varying quality. While some producers create excellent Cream Sherry, it is generally considered a sweeter and more approachable style compared to the drier and more complex sherries like Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso. The quality depends on the producer and the base sherry used.

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