Sherry and Cheese Wine Pairing

The rich, comforting flavors of fall are comforting and savory! While Thanksgiving often centers on turkey and traditional sides, let’s not overlook the importance of truly spectacular appetizers and desserts. This year, elevate your festive spread by rediscovering a hidden gem of the wine world: Sherry.

Sherry, a versatile and complex fortified wine from Spain. It offers an incredible range of flavors perfect for making a grand entrance and a warm goodbye. I am giving you a brief introduction to this iconic Spanish wine. Furthermore, I invite you to dive into the classic pairing you didn’t know you needed: Sherry and Cheese!

What is Sherry Wine?

Sherry is a unique fortified wine crafted from white grapes, primarily Palomino. It is grown near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.

The different styles of Sherry offer unparalleled versatility for wine pairing:

• Light & Dry: Wines like Manzanilla and Fino are the lightest styles, resembling crisp white table wines.
• Oxidative & Nutty: Darker, heavier versions, such as Amontillado and Oloroso, are allowed to oxidize as they age in barrels, developing rich, nutty, and complex flavors.
• Sweet Dessert Sherries: These are typically made from Pedro Ximénez (PX) or Moscatel grapes, sometimes blended with Palomino-based Sherries, creating luscious, dark, sweet wines.

Why Sherry and Cheese is the Perfect Pairing

While many focus on pairing wine with the main course, the combination of Sherry and Cheese is a must-try classic that will impress any wine lover.

• A Classic with a Twist: The traditional Manchego and Sherry pairing is always a winner. However, for a unique and memorable experience this fall, try pairing high-quality artisanal cheeses with different Sherry styles.
• Elevating the Experience: The acidity and complexity of dry Sherries, like Fino cut through the richness of firm cheeses. While the nutty, oxidative notes of Amontillado or Oloroso beautifully complement aged or blue varieties.

Expert Pairing Suggestions:

As a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist, I love experimenting new pairings. Hence, I have personally tasted and recommend exploring the range of Gonzalez Byass Sherry. They pair with deliciously with unique cheeses, such as those from Jasper Hill Farms in Vermont.

1️⃣ Tío Pepe Fino Sherry + Whitney Meltable Mountain Cheese

2️⃣ Gonzalez Byass Viña AB Amontillado Sherry + Harbison Bloomy Rind Cheese from Vermont

3️⃣ Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry + Little Hosmer Cheese from Vermont

4️⃣ Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez + Bartley Hazen Blue Cheese

I hope you enjoy these Sherry and Cheese Pairings sometime soon, and mark that from your list of wine-lover wine pairings must try!

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