Sherry, Sherry Lady, Living in devotion …
Just like the catchy chorus of 'Cheri ,Cheri Lady' suggests, there’s something irresistible about pairing Sherry with seafood!
Timeless pairing of Manzanilla Micaela, Fino Eléctrico en Rama, and Don Zoilo from Williams & Humbert. Accompanied by an assortment of fresh oysters, succulent prawns, and a slice of fish is presented on a slate platter .
As I strolled through my local fishmonger's the other day, the glistening seafood display immediately piqued my culinary curiosity. Little did I know, this would be the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of Sherry wine and how it can breathe new life into even the simplest of seafood dishes.
Thanks to IG, I just found out that it’s Sherry Week! Lucky me—I happen to have a few bottles from my studies stashed away in my cellar. What better way to celebrate than by pairing these versatile fortified wines with an assortment of seafood?
Sherry is a fortified wine from Jerez, in southern Spain, primarily made from the Palomino grape. Its unique production process involves aging under a layer of yeast called flor in a solera system. This method creates a range of Sherry styles, from bone-dry to luscious sweet, each with its own character and complexity. Sherry’s diverse profiles make it a perfect companion for seafood, enhancing the flavours of the dish while offering a refreshing balance to the palate.
Here’s what I recommend for my seafood platter:
Fresh Oysters: Fino or Manzanilla
When it comes to fresh oysters, nothing beats the pairing of Fino or Manzanilla sherry. These light, dry styles, aged under flor, provide a saline, nutty profile that beautifully complements the oceanic flavors of the oysters. The crispness and brightness of the Fino or Manzanilla enhance the oysters' freshness without overpowering their delicate taste. Picture yourself enjoying a briny oyster paired with a chilled glass of Manzanilla, its subtle herbal notes harmonizing perfectly with each slurp.
Shrimp: Manzanilla
Next up, we have shrimp—another seafood delight! Manzanilla shines in this pairing, especially when the crustaceans are simply prepared with garlic, thyme, or a touch of pepper. Its delicate salinity and slight herbal undertones work in harmony with the natural sweetness of the shrimp, keeping the palate refreshed and ready for the next bite. The combination of Manzanilla with garlic and herbs creates a delightful symphony of flavors that elevates your dining experience.
White Tuna: Amontillado
For the white tuna, I recommend reaching for an Amontillado Sherry. This style starts as a Fino, but as it ages, it loses its flor layer, allowing it to continue maturing oxidatively. The result? A deeper, richer, nuttier flavour profile that beautifully complements the meaty texture of the tuna. The balance of flavours creates an elegant pairing that enhances the dish without overshadowing the tuna’s natural taste.
As you explore the world of Sherry, I encourage you to venture beyond the typical white wines and discover the dynamic pairings that Sherry has to offer. Each style has its own unique personality, ready to transform your seafood experience.
Exploring Other Styles of Sherry
Oloroso: A richer style that is fully oxidized and has a robust flavour profile. With notes of nuts, dried fruits, and spices, Oloroso is perfect for pairing with richer seafood dishes like grilled fish or seafood paella.
Pale Cream: A blend of Fino and sweet wines, this style offers a slightly sweet flavor with a nutty background. It pairs wonderfully with savoury seafood dishes, particularly those with a touch of sweetness, like teriyaki-glazed shrimp.
Cream Sherry: This style is darker and sweeter, often enjoyed as a dessert wine. It complements dessert-like seafood dishes or sweet glazes and can be enjoyed with chocolate or fruit-based desserts.
Pedro Ximénez (PX): This is a dessert-style sherry made from the Pedro Ximénez grape. Its intense sweetness and rich, fig-like flavours make it an exceptional pairing for chocolate desserts or even a cheese platter with blue cheese.
Which of these three pairings strikes a chord with you? Have you tried any other Sherry pairings that wowed your taste buds?
I encourage you to explore beyond typical white wines and discover the dynamic pairings that Sherry offers.