The different types of sherry: a comprehensive guide

Not all sherries are the same. This type of wine offers an impressive variety of flavors, from extremely sweet to bone-dry. The differences result from the special aging processes and the grapes used. Find out more about the different types of sherry and their special features below.

Explore our extensive range of sherries at Drinkology. Whether you're a connoisseur or a novice, we have just the right sherry for you.

Dry sherries

Dry sherries are characterized by their unique aging method and complex flavor profiles. They are mainly made from the white Palomino Fino grape variety and undergo different aging processes, which give them their characteristic taste.

Special features of dry sherries

Dry sherries are produced either through organic or oxidative maturation, which significantly influences their aromas and textures. Organic maturation involves the formation of a layer of yeast, called flor, which protects the wine from oxidation and gives it a fresh, delicate aroma. Oxidative aging, on the other hand, deliberately exposes the wine to air, resulting in a darker color and more intense aromas.

Fino

Fino is the best-known type of sherry. It is produced through biological aging, in which the wine is fortified with brandy to around 15% alcohol after fermentation. A layer of yeast, called flor, protects the wine from oxidation and gives it a subtle almond aroma. Fino is very dry and has a light, straw-yellow color.

You can find examples of Fino on our website:

Manzanilla

Manzanilla is a variant of Fino Sherry, produced exclusively in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The special microclimate of the region gives Manzanilla a slightly salty and subtly bitter taste.

Amontillado

Like a Fino, Amontillado begins its maturation under a layer of flor. However, as the flor eventually dies off, the Sherry continues to mature through oxidative aging, exposed to air. As a result, it combines the freshness of a fino with the nutty aromas of an oloroso.

Oloroso

Oloroso sherry undergoes oxidative maturation, in which the wine resulting from fermentation is fortified to around 17% alcohol. Due to this alcohol content, no yeast layer (flor) forms, meaning that the wine comes into contact with the air and oxidizes. This oxidation gives Oloroso a deep amber to mahogany color and develops a rich, nutty aroma that is significantly fuller and more intense than that of Fino. The name "Oloroso" comes from the Spanish word "olor" for fragrance, which emphasizes its aromatic intensity.

Flavor profiles of dry sherries

Freshness and lightness: Dry sherries such as Fino and Manzanilla are known for their light color and crisp, fresh notes. They often have aromas of green apples, and almonds and sometimes a slight saltiness, which is particularly noticeable in Manzanilla.

Nutty and intense aromas: Amontillado and Oloroso sherries offer a deeper, richer taste experience. While Amontillado presents a mixture of fresh and nutty notes due to its double maturation, Oloroso impresses with its full, complex structure with strong aromas of walnuts, dried fruit, and sometimes a hint of leather.

Dry sherries as ideal companions

Dry sherries are versatile accompaniments to a variety of dishes. Fino and Manzanilla are ideal as an aperitif, especially with tapas, seafood, and light starters. The more intense Amontillado and Oloroso harmonize perfectly with stronger dishes such as grilled meat, mushroom dishes, and mature cheese.

Thanks to the different aging methods and careful craftsmanship, dry sherries offer a wide range of taste experiences that delight both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of sherry.

Semi-dry sherries

Semi-dry sherries offer a balanced combination of dry and sweet flavors, which is achieved by adding sweet wines such as Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel. These sherries have a pleasant sweetness without losing their dry base and are characterized by their versatility.

Special features of the semi-dry sherries

Semi-dry sherries are created by blending dry sherries with sweet wines. This process gives them their characteristic balance between dryness and sweetness, which makes them particularly adaptable.

Golden

Golden sherry is often enjoyed as an aperitif. The addition of Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel wines gives it its pleasant, sweet taste. Golden Sherry is an excellent accompaniment to Serrano ham.

Medium

Medium sherry is also sweetened by the addition of Pedro Ximénez. In terms of taste, it lies between Oloroso and Amontillado and goes well with almonds, dried fruit, and strong cheeses.

Flavor profiles of the semi-dry sherries

Harmonious sweetness: Semi-dry sherries such as Golden and Medium have a pleasant but not overpowering sweetness. They offer flavors of dried fruit, honey, and nutty aromas that harmonize perfectly with each other.

Semi-dry sherries as the ideal companion

Semi-dry sherries are excellent accompaniments to a variety of dishes. Golden sherry is ideal as an aperitif, especially with Serrano ham, while medium sherry goes well with almonds, dried fruit, and strong cheeses.

Thanks to their balanced sweetness and variety of aromas, semi-dry sherries are an enrichment for connoisseurs and novices alike.

Sweet sherries

Sweet sherries are known for their rich and intense flavor profiles, which are created by the high sugar content of the grapes used. Sweet sherries offer an incomparable taste experience that is particularly suitable as a dessert wine.

Special characteristics of sweet sherries

Sweet sherries are made from particularly sweet grapes such as Pedro Ximénez, which are often dried before processing in order to concentrate their sugar content. This method gives the wines their characteristic sweetness and depth.

Pedro Ximénez (P.X.)

Pedro Ximénez is the sweetest type of sherry. Made from dried grapes, it has a very high sugar content. P.X. Sherry has an intense aroma of dried fruit and nuts and is often served as a dessert wine or digestif.

Cream

Cream Sherry is created by blending Pedro Ximénez and dry Oloroso. It is sweet and full-bodied, ideal as a digestif.

Palo Cortado

Palo Cortado begins its maturation like a Fino but then develops similarly to an Oloroso. It combines the freshness of a Fino with the strong aromas of an Oloroso and is a real rarity.

Flavor profiles of sweet sherries

Intense sweetness: Sweet sherries such as Pedro Ximénez and Cream are characterized by their deep, rich aromas. They offer notes of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts that make every sip a luxurious experience.

Sweet sherries as ideal companions

Sweet sherries are ideal as an after-dinner digestif. Pedro Ximénez, the sweetest of all sherries, is particularly appreciated for its intense aromas and velvety texture, while cream sherry offers a harmonious sweetness and complexity thanks to the blend of Pedro Ximénez with dry Oloroso.

With their incomparable sweetness and rich aromas, sweet sherries are the perfect choice for special occasions and as the crowning glory of a good meal.

Exclusive sherry varieties: V.O.S., V.O.R.S., and vintage sherries

V.O.S. and V.O.R.S Sherry

In the Jerez region, good sherry is easy and inexpensive to find, but there are also particularly fine and rare varieties. The V.O.S. (Vinum Optimum Signatum) sherries mature for over 20 years in the criadera and solera system, while the V.O.R.S. (Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum) sherries mature for at least 30 years. Sherries of this type are of exceptional quality and therefore have a higher price, although they are not the most expensive.

Vintage sherries

Vintage sherries are a rarity and are only produced in excellent harvest years. These wines are traditionally matured in barrels without blending and are the most expensive of the sherries, as they offer a unique and exclusive quality.

More products from the bodegas

Brandy and sherry vinegar

In addition to sherry, many bodegas in Jerez also produce brandy and sherry vinegar. Traditionally, Brandy was made from the Palomino Fino grape, but today other grapes are also used. Sherry vinegar is available in dry versions made from Palomino Fino and in sweeter versions made from Pedro Ximénez. Both products also benefit from the criadera and solera system, which gives them a special maturity and quality.