The Different Types of Sherry

Sherry is one of the most diverse, exciting, and misunderstood wine styles in the world. With over 10 different types, ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, there’s truly a sherry for every taste, season, and dish.

What is Sherry?

Sherry is a fortified wine made primarily from the Palomino grape. It’s produced in the Sherry Triangle of southern Spain, in a region called Jerez-Xérès. It’s aged using a traditional solera system, which gradually blends younger wines with older ones, to create its signature rich, complex flavour.

Sherries usually have an ABV of around 15-20% and are made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet and from youthful to many decades old.

Is all Sherry sweet?

No. In fact, most classic sherry styles are dry. Here’s a summary of the main styles.

Fino Sherry (dry):

Pale, crisp, and light, with flavours of almonds, green olive, chamomile, and sea salt.

Manzanilla Sherry (dry):

Similar to Fino but more delicate, expect flavours of green apple, sea salt, and almonds.

Amontillado Sherry (dry):

This starts like a fino but ageing brings nutty, aromatic notes of hazelnut, tobacco, and dried herbs.

Pale Cortado (dry):

A rare style that’s quite full-bodied. Expect orange peel, roasted nuts, and caramel.

Oloroso (dry):

A deep, rich Sherry with nutty flavours, spice, and dried fruits.

Pedro Ximénex / PX (very sweet):

An intensely sweet and syrupy Sherry with flavours of fig, raisin, date, toffee, and molasses.

Moscatel (sweet):

Made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape, it’s floral with orange blossom, honey, and apricot.

Pale Cream (medium-sweet to sweet):

A blend of Fino with sweet grape must, they are light and fruity with flavours of apples and almonds.

Medium (medium sweet to sweet):

Often a blend of Amontillado and sweet wine, they are nutty and smooth, with caramel and dried fruit.

Cream (sweet):

Rich and velvety, they are made by blending Oloroso with PX. Expect toffee, coffee, figs, and spice.

How should I drink Sherry?

Traditionally, Sherry has been served in tiny schooners but producers now recommend serving it in a normal wine glass. This will allow the aromas to open up, just like wine.

Sherry is also great in a variety of cocktails such as a Fino Negroni or Sherry Spritz.

What should I eat with Sherry?

Sherry is loved by chefs and sommeliers. It’s used in cooking but also to complement flavours. The sweeter styles need something bold to match, like blue cheese and chocolate, or why not pour them over ice cream. The drier styles are delicious with sushi or salty tapas.

Sherry is being reimagined by young chefs, sommeliers, and bartenders. Its rich heritage is being celebrated in everything from edgy cocktails to fine dining.

Start your discovery with some of our top Sherries to try!