10/26/07 Sherry

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. For some reason Sherry seems to be making a comeback. Today we'll take a look at the different types of sherry  that lovely Spanish fortified wine. For years the only sherry really known to Americans was sweet cream sherry. And although I do enjoy a shot of it in a nice bowl of creamy chowder I can't say that I would enjoy much of it straight up. However, a nice dry chilled sherry such as a Fino or an Amontillado is a pleasant alternative to a cocktail before dinner. In the past sherry was served at room temperature  but I prefer the modern style of chilling the wine. So let's look at the different kinds of sherry. Fino which I just mentioned is a dry sherry that is pale and light and often has a fragrance of almonds. Manzanilla is and even paler and crisper type of sherry that is often slightly salty with a pleasantly bitter finish. Amontillado is basically a well aged Fino sherry it is more of an amber color also with a nutty aroma it will be noticeably smoother. These wine are actually very good with food especially game. One of my favorites to serve after dinner with cheese and dried fruit is Oloroso it is a sherry that is aromatic dark and rich and most often slightly sweet. But sherry is a category of wine that will definitely disappoint you if you shop the bargain brands. There are some delicious sherries made and imported to the U.S. from Spain ask your local wine merchant for recommendations and have fun trying different types of Sherry. And thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.