Christmas is all about family & friends, presents and of course food & drink. One of the beverages that makes an appearance at this time of year is sherry – sweet, medium and dry. The sweet, syrupy variety suits many seasonal foods like mince pies, chocolate, Christmas pudding and blue cheese. Like any wine, sweet sherries are available in all price ranges. Often, the older the vintage, the higher the price.
Since 2000, sherry has been categorised into 3 divisions. VORS is short for ‘Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum’ (or Very Old Rare Sherry) and indicates wine with an average age of over 30 years. VOS stands for ‘Vinum Optimum Signatum’ (or Very Old Sherry), with an average age of over 20 years. ‘Age indicated sherries’ fall into two categories: 12 years old and 15 years old.
Because of the sweetness of these sherries – they can contain 300 to 400 grams of sugar per litre – they’re best served slightly chilled in a small clipper or schooner glass – only tiny measures needed!
1. Wm Morrison Pedro Ximénez, 37.5cl: £6.00, Morrison’s
At 8 years old, this award-winning sweet sherry is the youngest of our selected trio. We bought a bottle and had some this week with my home-made spiced shortbread. We were so impressed that we’ve already gone out and bought another bottle! And it’s not just us – this is the verdict of a professional wine expert:
It’s almost black such is its sticky sweet richness and the taste is similar to an ocean of sultanas, prunes, dates and figs. Olly Smith
2. Fortnum’s Pedro Ximenez VOS, Bodegas Tradicion, half bottle: £29.95, Fortnum & Mason
Our Pedro Ximenez (PX) has been classified as V.O.S. (very old sherry), with more than 20 years of age. It is deepest mahogany, with wonderful aromas of raisins, prunes and figs. This outstandingly rich, viscous PX can be enjoyed with blue cheese or chocolate puddings and is also delicious poured over vanilla ice-cream. It should be served slightly chilled.
3. Toro Albalá Pedro Ximénez Convento Selección 1931, 75cl: £235.00, Laithwaites
This 86 year old sweet wine is a legend and winner of a near perfect 98 Parker points. Made from mostly sun dried grapes, pressed and partially fermented, it is a gloriously rich sherry with fig, chocolate, spice – the list of flavours is endless.
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Prices & links correct at time of publication.
