Sherry
/ˈʃɛri/
Sherry is a Spanish fortified wine from the protected Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DOP in Andalusia, made mainly from the Palomino grape (with some Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel), then strengthened with neutral grape spirit and aged in cask, often using a solera system. It encompasses a wide range of styles from very dry, flor-aged Finos and Manzanillas to richly sweet wines such as Pedro Ximénez and Cream Sherry.
Examples
- We started the meal with chilled Fino Sherry and salted almonds to highlight its dry, saline, almond-like flavors.
- The recipe calls for a splash of dry Amontillado Sherry to deglaze the pan and add nutty complexity to the sauce.
- For dessert, they poured a small glass of Pedro Ximénez Sherry over vanilla ice cream, creating a rich, raisiny topping.
Etymology
The English word "Sherry" evolved from "Sherris" or "Sherris sack," early English forms of the Spanish town name Jerez (historically Xeres/Xerez de la Frontera), the center of production. Foreign merchants adapted the place name to their own pronunciation, and over time "sherris sack"—where "sack" likely derives from Spanish "saca" (a drawing off of wine)—was shortened and regularized to "Sherry." Today, "Jerez-Xérès-Sherry" is a legally protected geographical indication reserved for wines from the so‑called Sherry Triangle in Andalusia.