Sherry Basics:
Sherry is a fortified wine from Andalusia, Spain. It can be produced in a wide array of styles, each unique and offering something new. Most sherry is made exclusively from Palomino grapes (Pedro Ximénez is made from its namesake), which is a neutral low acid grape.
Fortification of sherry is always done using a neutral grape spirit, the time and level of fortification is often determined by the end product that is being made. For Fino sherry the base wine is fermented to completion so there is no residual sugar and is only fortified to 15.5% ABV. While that may seem high, it is the lowest end of fortified wines. This lower ABV helps flor to develop, if the alcohol level is any higher it would kill the flor.
Fino sherry is aged biologically not oxidatively, this means it is only aged under a layer of flor which gives the wine its distinct aromas and tastes. In the solera system when it is being aged there is room left at the top of the barrel to allow this layer of flor to develop.
Flor is a layer of yeast cells that help to protect the wine from oxygen and thrive in the unique conditions found in many Sherry Bodegas. It keeps the wine fresh and pale and gives a nutty herbal character.
What to expect from Fino sherry
Fino is crisp and fresh. Expect notes of chamomile and herbs with almond and hints of bread dough. Fino has a lovely salinity normally making it perfect as an aperitif.
Pair with nuts and olives and sit in the sun.
What is En Rama
En Rama is a term that could accompany many styles of sherry. It means ‘unfiltered’ and is the purest most concentrated wine. It is usual for them to have some haze as they have not been filtered so they may have trace amounts yeast still within them. This is perfectly safe for human consumption, and some say it adds another layer of flavour to the wines.
