Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes — Talia Baiocch (2024)

Chosen by the New York Times as one of its Top Ten Wine Books of 2014

The world’s most neglected great wine, sherry is ancient, delicious, and still far too obscure. So it’s fortunate to have its story told by Talia Baiocchi, a great young wine-writing talent with her finger on the pulse. Her clear, witty style is perfect for untangling sherry’s intricacies—and for demonstrating why a whole new generation of wine lovers (and bartenders!) are so taken with it.

— Jordan Mackay,James Beard Award–winning coauthor ofSecrets of the Sommeliers

Thank goodness for this book! I have fallen in love with sherry overthe past few years, and it could geta bit tiring at timeshaving to explain that I wasnot drinking Grandmother's sherryand thatthere is so much more to this Spanish nectar!

Sherry references infuse culture, from kitchens to co*cktail bars, short stories, poetry and beyond—not to mention the celebrated use of sherry casks in whisky-making. We all know that sherry is important. But many people simply do not know what it is, aside from the fact that it's in the wine family—let alone the fact that it's a dynamic red hailing from Spain once thought of as on par with prestigious offerings from Bordeaux and Burgundy.

In recent history, cheap and overly sweet blends tarnished sherry'sname and reputation, which had already grown quite complicated. And that's why author Talia Baiocchi wants to set the record straightwith Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes.

The editor-in-chief of food and drink website PUNCH(and the former wine editor at Eater) has penned a new book aimed at demystifying sherry. And she does so in an engaging, informative manner complete with full-color photography.

There is no other wine that is as versatile, as utterly unique in its range and production methods — and, unfortunately, as misunderstood — as sherry. For centuries, sherry was considered one of the world’s great wines, spoken about in the same reverential terms as the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies.

But in the last few decades, sherry lost its way—and cheap, cloyingly sweet blends sullied the reputationof what remains one of Spain’s oldest and greatest winemaking traditions.

Thankfully, sherry is in the midst of a renaissance. Beloved of sommeliers and bartenders in the craft co*cktail community, today sherry is being re-discovered and re-appreciated as an incredible table wineandessential component of many classic co*cktails

Sherry: A Modern Guideis essential reading for wine or spirits professionals looking to incorporate this complex wine into their menu, and for adventurous drink enthusiasts who are on the hunt for something unexpected.

Sherry: A Modern Guidealso offers an overview on the different styles of sherry (pertaining to body), how and where they're produced (as there's a broad range of methods), and even insight into the people behind the production today.

An outspoken advocate for sherry in all its forms, Baiocchi begins by taking readers on a trip to Jerez, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria, the three Spanish cities that comprise the “Sherry Triangle” that produces much of the world’s sherry. She tours all of the major (and some of the minor) producers, supplying tasting notes as well as recommendations for their best offerings.

Sherry: A Modern Guidetackles the wine's renowned history and its descent into infamy. And, with sherry factoring into the classic co*cktail revival as a vibrant component to many mixed drinks, there are first-hand accounts from today's top producers and the benefits and profiles of their unique wines.

A thorough buyer’s guide lists top producers and profiles the very best bodegas and wines.Biaocchi also includes a entire chapter on recipes for both historic sherry-based co*cktails and modern creations from top bartenders, It illuminates a completely different side of sherry, featuring classic recipes like the Tuxedo and Sherry Cobbler, as well as modern creations from the country’s top bartenders (Jim Meehan’s East India Negroni, Derek Brown’s Kojo co*cktail).

Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes concludes with food recipes that illuminate the strength of sherry in a meal. More than a dozen recipes for tapas and other delicious foods—best eaten alongside a glass of sherry, of course—round out this wonderfully eclectic, engaging, and inspiring collection.

Table of Contents

  • How Sherry Is Made
  • Wines of the Sherry Spectrum
  • Sherry Through the Ages
  • The Modern Sherry Renaissance
  • The towns and Bodegas
  • Sherry co*cktails
  • Sherry at the Table
  • Where to find sherry
  • Acknowledgments
  • Index

This information and beautiful photography in this bookcombine to puta face and history to a name that's ever-circulating—and explains how to enjoy it properly.

Pour. Sip, Read, ENJOY!

BOOK DESCRIPTION

  • Condition: New. Hardback
  • Edition: First Edition - PublishedOctober, 2014
  • Publisher: Ten Speed Press
  • ISBN-13:978-1-60774-581-5
  • Pages:272
  • Dimensions:6.60 (w) x 9.10 (h) x 1.00 (d)
  • Rating:★★★★ (See FAQs)
  • About the Author
  • An Excerpt
  • TALIA BAIOCCHI is the editor-in-chief ofPUNCH, an online magazine focused on wine, spirits, and co*cktails. Previously, Baiocchi was the wine editor forEaterand a columnist atWine Spectator.She has written for theSan Francisco Chronicle,Decanter,Bon Appétit, andWine & Spiritsmagazine, among others.

    In 2013, she was named a top new talent in the food and wine world inForbesmagazine’s “30 Under 30” feature. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes — Talia Baiocch (2024)

FAQs

What is sherry known for? ›

Sherry is a fortified wine with a long history from Southern Spain. It's a high-alcohol wine made using the historic solera system (a barrel aging and blending system) and is produced in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet and light to intense. Most sherry exhibits nutty, dried fruit, and saline flavors.

How does sherry compare to wine? ›

Sherry is basically an aged white wine and contrary to what most people think, the majority of sherry is dry. Within the dry sherry category, there are two major styles: those that are biologically aged (under a layer of flor yeast – Fino type) and those that are oxidatively aged (in absence of flor – Oloroso type).

What did sherry used to be called? ›

Wine region

The word sherry is an anglicisation of Xérès (Jerez). Sherry was previously known as sack, from the Spanish saca, meaning "extraction" from the solera.

What do they fortify sherry with? ›

FORTIFIED: 100% of all Sherry is fortified from a grape spirit. Port is fortified with brandy. This gives stability to what might otherwise be an unstable wine. Sherry is fortified with a spirit made from grapes which then in turn is aged in old Sherry casks, producing Brandy de Jerez.

Is sherry more alcoholic than wine? ›

Zinfandel: up to 16% ABV. Late Harvest Dessert Wine: 15–17% ABV. Sherry: 15–20% ABV.

Why is sherry so good? ›

It's a relatively heavy cropper, producing large bunches of pale green grapes, which are harvested at a potential alcohol level of 11–12.5 degrees. The resulting base wines are crisp with a neutral character. It's the production process that transforms these into the compelling, diverse wines that sherry is known for.

What wine is closest to sherry? ›

Your best bet is going to be another dry fortified wine such as dry (white) vermouth. Dry versions of Madeira and marsala are also acceptable. You can also substitute a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, pinot blanc, or sémillon.

Should you eat sherry before or after dinner? ›

Sherry is a highly alcoholic wine, ranging from 15% ABV to an incredibly boozy 22%. This means it is often enjoyed at the end or beginning of a meal, similar to Port. However, traditionally, Spanish wine lovers would park a nice glass of Sherry on the side of their tapas.

What's the best sherry to drink? ›

The best sherry from the IWSC 2023
  • Bodegas Fundador, Palo Cortado Medium Blend VORS. ...
  • González Byass, Noé VORS Pedro Ximénez. ...
  • Valdespino, El Candado Pedro Ximenez NV. ...
  • Emilio Lustau, VORS Pedro Ximénez NV. ...
  • Bodegas Williams & Humbert, Don Zoilo Palo Cortado En Rama NV. ...
  • Valdespino, Promesa Moscatel NV.

Which country drinks the most sherry? ›

Sherry Market Share 2021
  • Spain. 33.7%
  • The UK. 28.1%
  • The Netherlands. 17.0%
  • Germany. 7.1%
  • The US. 5.0%
  • Rest of the World. 4.9%
  • Belgium & Luxembourg. 1.6%
  • Canada. 1.0%
Feb 21, 2023

Who drinks sherry wine? ›

Cultured Spaniards have long known that there is, arguably, no better drink in the world to pair with olives and sunshine than a quality sherry. But where Granny has opted for Bristol Cream in the past, the young trend-setters are shunning the sweet and choosing increasingly popular Fino and Manzanilla sherries.

Does sherry go bad? ›

How long does Sherry last? Typically, an unopened bottle of Sherry can last from 1 to 5 years, while an opened bottle of this fortified wine can last from a few days up to a year. However, the shelf life of this southern Spain wine depends hugely on the wine style.

What is sherry called now? ›

Cream Apera is the name given by Australian winemakers instead of the name Sherry. The name "Apera", gives hints of an aperative or aperitif, that is a drink you have before a meal.

What does sherry do to the body? ›

Sherry helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps to prevent cancer. It helps to increase the blood circurlation that further improves oxygen delivery in the body. It treats insomnia and other sleep disorders.

How to drink sherry for beginners? ›

It's easier and often better to serve sherry in a standard white wine glass. Pair drier sherries like Fino or Amontillado with savory meals. The drier, more savory tones of Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso work excellently to complement or cleanse the palate with an equally savory dish.

What are some fun facts about sherry? ›

It used to be called Sherish during the 500-year-long Moorish occupation — the word sherry comes from the Moors' word for Jerez. 2. Sherry is a fortified wine, like port, meaning distilled grape spirit is added to it. Originally, the hard stuff was added to ensure the wine would survive being shipped overseas.

Who typically drinks sherry? ›

Sherry is a highly alcoholic wine, ranging from 15% ABV to an incredibly boozy 22%. This means it is often enjoyed at the end or beginning of a meal, similar to Port. However, traditionally, Spanish wine lovers would park a nice glass of Sherry on the side of their tapas.

What do they call sherry now? ›

Now known as cream or cream apera or Apera Cream. We call it Creme de Vin. Similar to "sherry," the term "Cream Sherry" is also a protected name under European Union law and can only be used for wines produced in certain regions of Spain.

What does a sherry taste like? ›

Fino and Manzanilla Sherry

Their alcohol content is 15% abv and has a crisp, tangy, yeasty and nutty flavour profile. Fino Sherry is very dry with delicate acidity which leaves a pleasant and fresh aftertaste of almonds. Manzanilla is a fino-style sherry, which has a distinctive salty tang and is fresher than Fino.

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