Sherries are wines from the Jerez region of Spain that are given additional alcohol during production. A feature of the region is the bright Albariza soils, which are a mixture of limestone, calcium sulfate and clay. During the summer, the soil traps the moisture absorbed during the winter, forming a crust that protects the vines from drought.
Wines made from the predominantly white Palomino grape variety are separated according to their characteristics after fermentation: Light, less aromatic wines are used for organically matured sherry, while full-bodied, intense wines are chosen for oxidative ripening and form the wine. Base for oloroso sherry.
Spanish fire in a glass
After their selection, the wines for Oloroso sherry are increased to about 17 percent by volume with 95 percent neutral alcohol and are now stored for several years in old oak barrels. With the ingenious Solera system, blending a variety of wines provides additional complexity.
The longer it is stored in an oak barrel, the more the liquid evaporates. Because this process is faster with water than with alcohol, the alcohol in oloroso sherry eventually rises to 18 to 22 percent. During this time, the color of the wine also changes: from pale lemon yellow to amber and finally brown.
Oxidative aging also improves flavors and flavors and increases their concentration. Oloroso sherry exudes an intoxicating perfume of roasted almonds and walnuts, chocolate, coffee and caramel. Concentrated power then becomes evident on the palate: a strong body, high melting point and a long, fiery finish. With less than five grams of sugar remaining per liter, wines stay dry at all times.
Food pairing with oloroso sherry
Oloroso sherry is ideal as a snack, especially in winter, as it quickly brings the sun and fire of Spain into your own living room. Wines can also be used in a variety of ways with foods such as spicy beef fillet, game, Peking duck, onion soup, or fresh cheese platters.
Oloroso sherry is available in specialist stores for around 20 to 30 francs, while wines labeled VOS and VORS are older and therefore slightly more expensive. Once opened, Oloroso sherry is stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, and the optimum drinking temperature is 12 to 16 degrees.