Sweet sherry is produced either directly as an pure varietal sweet wine (Vinos Dulces Naturales) from the overripe or raisin-dried grapes of Pedro Ximènez and Moscatel or is a blend of dry sherry with one of said natural sweet wines or concentrated grape must (Vinos Generosos de Licor).
Pale Cream
The pale golden Pale Cream is usually a blend of Fino or Manzanilla with concentrated grape must and displays the typical notes of yeast and almonds for Fino. The residual sugar is between 45 and 115 grams per liter, the alcohol content at 15.5 to 22 vol .-%. Pale Cream goes well with fresh fruit and liver pate.
Serving temperature 10 ° C
Cream
This chestnut brown Sherry clearly shows aromas of an Oloroso and is at best the blend of a very good Oloroso with a natural sweet wine like Pedro Ximénez (PX). However, most creams are blends of an Oloroso with concentrated grape must or grape juice mixed with wine alcohol. Cream may also have shares of Fino, Manzanilla or Amontillado. Its residual sugar is at least 115 to 140 grams per liter, its alcohol content at 15.5 to 22 vol .-% .. To enjoy as an aperitif or tiramisu but also with dates.
Serving temperature 13 ° C
Medium
The amber-coloured Medium is the blend of an Amontillado with a natural sweet wine or concentrated grape must. It has the typical notes of pastry, hazelnut and herbs. Its sweetness is between 45 and 115 grams of residual sugar per liter. The Medium Dry has only between 5 and 45 grams of residual sugar. The alcohol content is between 15 and 22 vol .-%. It is well suited as an aperitif but also as a companion to chicken curry or camembert.
Serving temperature 12 ° C
Pedro Ximénez
The very dark Pedro Ximénez (PX) is made from sun-dried grapes of the same grape variety. It is very sweet and displays aromas of dates, raisins, honey and candied fruits, complemented by roasted and chocolate notes. PX must have at least 212 grams of residual sugar per liter, but usually it has about 400 grams. Its alcohol content is adjusted to 15 to 22 vol .-%. He is an excellent companion to sweet desserts made of dark chocolate or nut ice cream.
Serving temperature 12 ° – 14 ° C
Moscatel
The mahogany-coloured Moscatel has at least 160 grams of residual sugar per liter. It is obtained from sun-dried grapes of the grape variety Muscat d’Alexandrie and shows aromas of these grapes as well as those of flowers, citrus, honey, caramel and raisins. Moscatel is also fortified with wine alcohol to 15 to 22 vol .-% and goes well with fruit cake.
Serving temperature 12 ° – 14 ° C
Learn more about Wine-growing districts, Viticulture-Vinification, Solera and Dry wine styles of Sherry.