Spanish fortified wine, called sherry, is a unique drink. It goes well with meat dishes and can become the king of a festive feast. From this article you will learn what sherry is and how to use it correctly.
History of sherry
The history of this drink originated in 1000 BC, when the Phoenicians, as the most famous winemakers in the world, conquered the territory of modern Spain. Favorable climatic conditions allowed them to grow saturated grapes, which after fermentation gave a fortified taste of sherry wine different from other types of wines. Spain in the Middle Ages supplied this wine to the Irish and the British, who gave it its name - Sherry. Do not confuse it with a drink based on cherry syrup Cherry.
After millennia, the sherry production technology has been preserved. At the moment, the original sherry is produced only in Spain in the city of Andalusia and in the Crimea at the Massandra plant, where weather conditions and production technology are optimally combined, allowing you to grow a special grape variety.
The question about sherry can be answered as follows: it is a very strong wine with a low sugar content, a very specific bitter aftertaste and vanilla aroma. Such a controversial combination made this drink one of the most popular wines in the world.
Useful properties of sherry
Scientists from around the world claim that Spanish sherry is no less healthy than traditional red wines. This is proved by the composition of the wine, which includes strong antioxidants polyphenols. It is this component that allows you to protect the body from free radicals, which are known to damage the biological structure and molecules of human DNA.
Genetics have found that free radicals are a major source of health problems in old age. Therefore, the intake of polyphenols in the body can prevent diseases such as diabetes, disorders of the immune system, hypertension, arthritis and even cancer diseases. Therefore, if you know what sherry is and what useful properties it has, then you can use this wine as a remedy. Of course, this does not mean that red wines and sherry can be abused. Everything should be in moderation, and consulting a doctor will help to avoid complications.
Sherry Production Process
The question of what sherry can be answered with accuracy only after studying the technological process of its production. A distinctive feature of sherry from ordinary red wines is a special fermentation technology. The grape must is placed in a wooden barrel, after which a film forms on the surface. Such a film is called sherry yeast or fleur, and it saves future wine from oxidation.
After the ripening of sherry, which takes from 1.5 to 4 years, the grape must is laid out on straw mats for drying. The dried grapes are wrung out and continue to ferment in stainless steel tanks . This technology gives sherry a special fortified taste, which distinguishes it from other types of wines.
Types of Sherry
Sherry wines after fermentation are divided into two types, depending on the consistency of sherry yeast. The first type is called Fino, this is a real sherry with a strength of 20%. The second type, called Oloroso, requires more aging with added alcohol. The base of Oloroso is used to make other varieties of wines.
The main types of this drink are: Manzanilla, Amontilliado, Pale Cream, Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenes. These sherry wines differ in strength, sugar amount and aging time. The most famous and best-selling species is Fino, which has a dry strong taste. Palo Cordato is considered the rarest and most difficult to manufacture, because it takes a long exposure time under the fleur.
Each type of sherry has its fans among connoisseurs of collectible vintage wines due to its rich taste. It is impossible to say unequivocally which variety is the best, since the choice depends only on personal preferences.
Crimean sherry
It is known that the climatic conditions in Crimea are very similar to the Spanish ones. When the whole world learned what sherry is, they began to produce it at the Massandra winery in the village of the same name. At the same time, the technology for the production of the drink is completely identical with the Spanish counterpart.
Vintage strong wine has been produced in the Crimea since 1944. Sherry "Massandra" has a subtle touch of fried nuts, bitter almonds and vanilla. Experts and connoisseurs note that the
Crimean wine is not inferior to the Spanish drink in taste and quality.
The world famous sherry "Massandra" goes well with light snacks. For example, olives, cheese or vegetable salads. Doctors recommend the Crimean sherry as a remedy for hypothermia and raising immunity. The price for a bottle of Crimean collection wine varies from 400 to 500 rubles in different regions of Russia.
How to drink sherry?
The tradition of sherry consumption goes back thousands of years. During this time, practically nothing has changed, except for table etiquette. Traditional sherry is not recommended to be poured over painted glasses, because then you will not be able to enjoy the rich color of the wine. It is better to use traditional tulip-shaped glasses made of transparent glass.
Sherry, like any wine, needs to be cooled before serving. The optimum temperature is 5-10 degrees. Warm wine will be more like vinegar than a "drink of the gods." In addition, do not rush. Like any wine, sherry does not like excessive rush. Therefore, you need to use it measuredly, in small sips, stretching the pleasure. This will reveal the unique taste of the oldest drink in the history of mankind.
Sherry is also used as a component for various cocktails based on vodka, rum or gin. Therefore, if you know what sherry is and how to use it correctly, you can create a delicious mix that will complement orange or grape syrup.