Sherry is Spain's most under appreciated wine. Its one the most cultural and historical beverages of all time, and has been made and consumed for over 1300 years. Sherry (Vino de Jerez in Castilian) is exclusively made in the Jerez - Xérès - Sherry D.O., located in the province of Cádiz (Region of Andalucía), and in order for a bottle to state Sherry, it must be from the Sherry triangle, which is made up of (3) cities: El Puerto de Santa María, Jerez de la Frontera, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

The first vineyards where planted in Cádiz by the Phoenicians around 1100 B.C. and wine production began in Spain. It continued after the Roman Empire took control of Spain in 210 B.C. and grew to one of the biggest in Europe. When the moors conquered virtually the entire Iberian peninsula (expect for Asturias and the Basque Country) in A.D. 711, most wine production in Spain stopped. Few vineyards where left to survive as they provided "food" for workers. Though alcohol was prohibited by the moors, some wine production was kept alive, and they introduced "distillation" which was the birth of Sherry near the city of Jerez. Sherry quickly became a popular drink, especially in England where it was called "Sherry Sack".

The main grape used for sherry is "Palomino", it is a white grape that is usually harvested earlier than most grapes. Once the grapes have been fermented, brandy is added, and then placed into wine casks, where its usually aged for 3-5 years, depending on the style of Sherry. Flor (yeast) naturally develops on top of the sherry inside the barrel, this happens by allowing air inside the barrel. The flor that develops helps to enhance the flavors and freshness of sherry. Solera is the system used for aging, with racks of barrels used to age the Sherry and the blending of different vintages. There are several different types of Sherry's, with alcohol levels between 15% to 22%, and are usually best with food, whether it be: Roasted Almonds, Chicken pot pie, or a Sweet apple pie, Sherry will make any dish shine. Most Sherry bottles (Except for Fino, which must be consumed within 2 days after opening) can last well over 1 month after they have been opened.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT SHERRY

• Official Denominación de Origen Year: 1933
• Official Denominación de Origen Name: Jerez - Xérès - Sherry
• Acres Under Vine: 24,700
• Soil: Chalk, Clay, Limestone, Sand
• Vineyard Elevation: 1 to 164 Feet
• Major Grapes: Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, Moscatel
• Major Styles of Sherry: Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Cream Sherry
• Annual Production: 90 million liters
• Estimated Wineries: 100

WEATHER IN THE SHERRY TRIANGLE

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827
Region: Jerez - Xérès - Sherry
Grape Varietal: 100% Pedro Ximenez
Usually Scores: 90-94
Price: $18

Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla
Region: Jerez - Xérès - Sherry
Grape Varietal: 100% Palomino
Usually Scores: 90-92
Price: $15

Sandeman, Royal Ambrosante
Region: Jerez - Xérès - Sherry
Grape Varietal: 100% Pedro Ximenez
Usually Scores: 90-92
Price: $29

Sandeman, Royal Esmeralda
Region: Jerez - Xérès - Sherry
Grape Varietal: 100% Palomino
Usually Scores: 90-92
Price: $26