What Is Cream Sherry Wine? Unveiling Its Sweet Secrets
Cream Sherry is a sweet and fortified wine from Andalusia, Spain, created by blending different types of Sherry, primarily Oloroso (for body and depth) and Pedro Ximénez (for intense sweetness and raisiny flavors).
The Rich Tapestry of Cream Sherry: An Introduction
Cream Sherry, with its velvety texture and luscious sweetness, stands as a captivating example of the versatility and artistry of Sherry production. Often enjoyed as a dessert wine or aperitif, its complex flavors offer a delightful sensory experience. But what exactly is Cream Sherry, and how does it differ from other Sherry varieties? This exploration will delve into the heart of Cream Sherry, revealing its history, production methods, flavor profiles, and serving suggestions.
A Brief History of Sherry
Sherry’s roots stretch back to ancient Phoenicia, with wine production flourishing in the region of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. The Moors, who ruled for centuries, named the area “Sherish,” from which the modern name “Sherry” is derived. Over the centuries, winemaking techniques evolved, culminating in the unique solera system that defines Sherry production today. The British, with their long-standing love of Sherry, significantly influenced its development and global distribution, with Cream Sherry becoming particularly popular in the 19th century.
The Production Process: A Symphony of Blending
Cream Sherry is not made from a single grape variety or production method. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted blend of different Sherry wines, primarily:
- Oloroso: A dry, oxidized Sherry that provides the base and body for Cream Sherry. Oloroso wines typically exhibit notes of walnut, toffee, and leather.
- Pedro Ximénez (PX): A intensely sweet Sherry made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes. PX contributes the signature sweetness, raisiny flavors, and dark color to Cream Sherry.
The blending process is crucial and relies on the expertise of the bodega’s (winery) master blender, who carefully selects and proportions the Oloroso and PX wines to achieve the desired sweetness level and flavor profile. Some Cream Sherries may also include a small percentage of Palo Cortado or Amontillado for added complexity.
Flavor Profile: A Decadent Delight
Cream Sherry offers a rich and complex flavor profile, characterized by:
- Sweetness: Dominant and luscious, ranging from medium-sweet to very sweet.
- Dried Fruit Notes: Pronounced flavors of raisins, figs, and dates, imparted by the Pedro Ximénez component.
- Nutty Undertones: Hints of walnut, almond, and hazelnut from the Oloroso base.
- Caramel and Toffee: A subtle caramelized sweetness, adding depth and complexity.
- Smooth Texture: A velvety and round mouthfeel, making it a pleasure to drink.
Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings
Cream Sherry is best served chilled, typically between 10-12°C (50-54°F). It can be enjoyed:
- As an aperitif: To stimulate the appetite before a meal.
- As a dessert wine: Paired with sweet treats like chocolate cake, ice cream, or fruit tarts.
- With cheeses: Particularly blue cheese or mature cheddar.
- In cocktails: As a sweetening component in various mixed drinks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Serving it too warm: Cream Sherry’s sweetness can become cloying if it’s not properly chilled.
- Storing it improperly: Opened bottles should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent oxidation.
- Assuming all Cream Sherry is the same: Quality and sweetness levels can vary significantly between brands.
- Overlooking the importance of the glass: A small copita or dessert wine glass is ideal for concentrating the aromas.
The Solera System: A Timeless Tradition
While not directly involved in the creation of the base wines used in Cream Sherry, understanding the Solera System is crucial to understanding Sherry production. This unique aging process involves a series of barrels arranged in tiers.
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
| Solera | The oldest wine, ready for bottling. |
| 1st Criadera | Contains wine one year younger than the Solera. |
| 2nd Criadera | Contains wine two years younger than the Solera. |
| (and so on) | With each tier containing progressively younger wine. |
When wine is drawn from the Solera for bottling, it is partially replenished with wine from the first Criadera. This process continues up the tiers, ensuring a consistent style and quality over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cream Sherry
What Grapes Are Used To Make Cream Sherry?
While the final blend of Cream Sherry includes components from different grape varieties, Palomino is the primary grape used to make the Oloroso base, and Pedro Ximénez is used to make the PX component.
How Sweet is Cream Sherry Compared to Other Sherries?
Cream Sherry is significantly sweeter than Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso Sherries. It is generally comparable in sweetness to Pale Cream Sherry, but typically exhibits a richer and more complex flavor profile.
What is the Alcohol Content of Cream Sherry?
Cream Sherry is a fortified wine, typically containing between 17% and 22% alcohol by volume (ABV). The fortification process involves adding grape spirit to increase the alcohol content and stabilize the wine.
How Long Does Cream Sherry Last Once Opened?
Once opened, a bottle of Cream Sherry should be stored in the refrigerator and will typically last for several weeks. The higher alcohol content and sugar level help to preserve the wine.
What’s the Difference Between Cream Sherry and Pale Cream Sherry?
Pale Cream Sherry is typically made by sweetening Fino Sherry with concentrated grape must. Cream Sherry, on the other hand, uses Oloroso Sherry as its base and is sweetened with Pedro Ximénez wine, resulting in a darker color and more complex flavor profile.
Can Cream Sherry Be Used in Cooking?
Yes, Cream Sherry can be used in cooking, particularly in dessert sauces, glazes, and marinades. It adds a sweet and nutty flavor to dishes.
Where Should I Store Unopened Bottles of Cream Sherry?
Unopened bottles of Cream Sherry should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
Are There Different Styles of Cream Sherry?
While Cream Sherry generally implies a sweet and rich profile, some variations may exist in terms of the specific blend of Sherries used and the level of sweetness.
What Makes Pedro Ximénez Grapes So Sweet?
Pedro Ximénez grapes are left to sun-dry after harvest. This process concentrates the sugars within the grapes, resulting in an intensely sweet juice that is used to make PX Sherry.
Is Cream Sherry Gluten-Free?
Yes, Cream Sherry is generally considered to be gluten-free, as the winemaking process does not typically involve the use of gluten-containing ingredients.
Is Cream Sherry Vegan?
Some winemaking processes may involve animal-derived fining agents (e.g., gelatin or isinglass) to clarify the wine. However, many producers now use vegan-friendly alternatives. Check with the producer to confirm if a specific Cream Sherry is vegan.
What are some well-known brands of Cream Sherry?
Some popular and widely available brands of Cream Sherry include Harvey’s Bristol Cream, Tio Pepe Cream, and Sandeman Armada Cream. Quality can vary, so exploring different brands can be a rewarding experience.