Saturday, November 20, 2010

Sherry News

1)  I have predicted that Sherry is going to make a comeback, part of its cyclical nature, a 3000 year old history of ups and downs.  No matter how low sherry has fallen, it has always found a way to rise back to the top.  Though sherry has been at a low, there are signs that may be changing.  A recent news article in The Telegraph, called "A Fino Thing," notes a significant surge in UK sales of sherry.  The huge chain Marks & Spencer reported that their sherry sales have increased 18% within the past year, remarking that younger drinkers have been embracing sherry. That is certainly what is needed, a new generation to accept and savor sherry.

2) The new issue of Decanter (December 2010) discusses sweet sherries, stating how they are good for Christmas time.  Sarah Jane Evans MW provides twelve specific recommendations, including Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel, and ranging from Bodegas such as Gonzalez Byass, Lustau, Harvey's and Hidalgo La Gitana. She notes that "All of these sweet wines echo the flavours of mince pies and Christmas pudding..."  In the next issue of Decanter, they will cover dry sherries.  Great to see sherry getting more coverage in the major wine periodicals.

3) With Thanksgiving coming this week, I am trying to decide on which sherry to open for my turkey and venison feast.  I am tending towards a dry Oloroso, probably a VORS (30 year old), which should pair well with both poultry and wild game.  I will have some other wines too, but the sherry will be the center of the dinner. I will report back on how it works out.

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