The Return of Sherry
The greatest honour of my career was to select and blend the legendary Tio Pepe Palmas range this year with winemaking royalty Antonio Flores. I’ve always loved sherry for its heritage and range of flavours. These fortified wines from southern Spain are back on UK shelves like never before, with every flavour from sweet Pedro Ximenez to dry Manzanilla (wine’s answer to a martini).
Olly’s Pick of the Sherries
Morrisons Fino (15%), £5.25. Britain’s best-value Fino – incredible when served cold and paired with green olives.
Taste the Difference Very Sweet Pedro Ximenez (18%), £8, Sainsbury’s. Sweeter than Christmas pudding and just as rich. Serve cool as a sumptuous treat.
Solar Manzanilla 2020 (15%), £10.99, Waitrose. Pristine power with ocean-like salinity, this is bone-dry brilliance. Chill it!
Tio Pepe Una Palma (15.5%), £12.95, The Wine Society. Savoury as well as refreshing, serve cool with nibbles and glimpse how great sherry can be.
Wine of the Week
Tesco Finest Cream Sherry NV (18%), £6. Cracking value! Tastes like liquid mince pies and served chilled is a sweet, spicy festive delight.
This article was originally published in YOU Magazine, Mail on Sunday, 21st November 2021 – Prices, stockists and vintages correct at time of publication.
