Is sherry on your festive list? We asked an expert for her verdict on a range of tipples
We tell you which one has the best taste, best value and our overall winner
SHERRY was seen as a tipple only your Gran enjoyed – until now.
Earlier this year wine merchant Majestic revealed hipsters sent sales of the drink soaring by 46 per cent. And on that form, we're predicting an even stronger surge than usual for the coming festive period.
Here, expert Victoria Burt from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, gives COURTNEY BARTLETT her verdict on a range of tipples.
- 4.5/5
DESCRIPTION: Medium-sweet with a long finish of walnuts, liquorice and toffee.
VICTORIA SAYS: “Instead of a fresh fruit flavour you get spices and caramel.
“The smell of toffee apple and gingerbread give it a bonfire night feel.
“The sweetness gives it a more accessible, round flavour.
“It is much better than I expected and is great for novices to start with.”
- 3/5
DESCRIPTION: Nutty aromas with hints of orange peel and spice.
VICTORIA SAYS: “Darker sherries can feel a bit different if you are new to the drink. They don’t look much like wine so can scare people off.
“Dry sherries are summery but the darker ones remind me more of autumn – warm and homely.
“This one has a tangy, savoury taste – it carries a big flavour of roasted hazelnuts.”
- 5/5 and Overall Winner
DESCRIPTION: This fruity drink is aged eight years to intensify its spicy sweetness.
VICTORIA SAYS: “Pedro Ximenez sherries are made with dried grapes to increase the amount of sugar.
“Fig, sultana and raisin flavours – it’s like a dessert in a glass. This one is lusciously sweet.
“If you have a sweet tooth you must give it a go.”
- 2/5
DESCRIPTION: A complex blend of some of Spain’s finest sherries.
VICTORIA SAYS: “This is probably the most famous sherry in the UK. It’s a proper granny’s drink, not fashionable like some of the other varieties.
“The smell is simple and inviting. It has hints of honeycomb and molasses.
“But the taste is very sweet. It has an almost burnt sugar flavour – and not much else.”
- 3.5/5 and Best Value
DESCRIPTION: A full-bodied sweet sherry cream with a strong nutty flavour.
VICTORIA SAYS: “It is similar to Harveys but is actually much better.
“There are savoury, nutty tones that the sweetness from Harveys overpowers.
“It’s sweet but There’s also a bit more body – and at almost half the price it is a real bargain.”
- 2/5
DESCRIPTION: Pale dryness of a quality Fino with the added depth and body of a cream.
VICTORIA SAYS: “I have a soft spot for Croft. My mum and nan both had it in their cupboards.
“Before a meal it would be sherry for the girls and beer for the boys.
“It’s very sweet but the end of the mouthful is quite sickly.
“I’d only go back for sentimental reasons.”
- 5/5 and Best Dry Sherry
DESCRIPTION: A subtle, dry sherry that goes well with seafood.
VICTORIA SAYS: “This is a really good introduction to dry sherry. It has fruity notes that will please white wine drinkers.
“Notes of almonds and lemon give it a sharp, crisp taste. It ticks all the boxes for a dry sherry.
“And it is also great value.”
- 3.5/5
DESCRIPTION: Refreshing and distinctive – perfect with savoury nibbles or pork.
VICTORIA SAYS: “Tio Pepe is a well-known brand. It’s the Ford of Fino sherry – perfectly reliable and a make you can trust.
“This has a textbook taste, it’s got a slight nutty flavour and notes of apple skin.
“Gentle, mellow and restrained – you really cannot go wrong with this brand.”