Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes — Talia Baiocch (2024)

Chosen by the New York Times as one of its Top Ten Wine Books of 2014

The world’s most neglected great wine, sherry is ancient, delicious, and still far too obscure. So it’s fortunate to have its story told by Talia Baiocchi, a great young wine-writing talent with her finger on the pulse. Her clear, witty style is perfect for untangling sherry’s intricacies—and for demonstrating why a whole new generation of wine lovers (and bartenders!) are so taken with it.

— Jordan Mackay,James Beard Award–winning coauthor ofSecrets of the Sommeliers

Thank goodness for this book! I have fallen in love with sherry overthe past few years, and it could geta bit tiring at timeshaving to explain that I wasnot drinking Grandmother's sherryand thatthere is so much more to this Spanish nectar!

Sherry references infuse culture, from kitchens to co*cktail bars, short stories, poetry and beyond—not to mention the celebrated use of sherry casks in whisky-making. We all know that sherry is important. But many people simply do not know what it is, aside from the fact that it's in the wine family—let alone the fact that it's a dynamic red hailing from Spain once thought of as on par with prestigious offerings from Bordeaux and Burgundy.

In recent history, cheap and overly sweet blends tarnished sherry'sname and reputation, which had already grown quite complicated. And that's why author Talia Baiocchi wants to set the record straightwith Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes.

The editor-in-chief of food and drink website PUNCH(and the former wine editor at Eater) has penned a new book aimed at demystifying sherry. And she does so in an engaging, informative manner complete with full-color photography.

There is no other wine that is as versatile, as utterly unique in its range and production methods — and, unfortunately, as misunderstood — as sherry. For centuries, sherry was considered one of the world’s great wines, spoken about in the same reverential terms as the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies.

But in the last few decades, sherry lost its way—and cheap, cloyingly sweet blends sullied the reputationof what remains one of Spain’s oldest and greatest winemaking traditions.

Thankfully, sherry is in the midst of a renaissance. Beloved of sommeliers and bartenders in the craft co*cktail community, today sherry is being re-discovered and re-appreciated as an incredible table wineandessential component of many classic co*cktails

Sherry: A Modern Guideis essential reading for wine or spirits professionals looking to incorporate this complex wine into their menu, and for adventurous drink enthusiasts who are on the hunt for something unexpected.

Sherry: A Modern Guidealso offers an overview on the different styles of sherry (pertaining to body), how and where they're produced (as there's a broad range of methods), and even insight into the people behind the production today.

An outspoken advocate for sherry in all its forms, Baiocchi begins by taking readers on a trip to Jerez, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria, the three Spanish cities that comprise the “Sherry Triangle” that produces much of the world’s sherry. She tours all of the major (and some of the minor) producers, supplying tasting notes as well as recommendations for their best offerings.

Sherry: A Modern Guidetackles the wine's renowned history and its descent into infamy. And, with sherry factoring into the classic co*cktail revival as a vibrant component to many mixed drinks, there are first-hand accounts from today's top producers and the benefits and profiles of their unique wines.

A thorough buyer’s guide lists top producers and profiles the very best bodegas and wines.Biaocchi also includes a entire chapter on recipes for both historic sherry-based co*cktails and modern creations from top bartenders, It illuminates a completely different side of sherry, featuring classic recipes like the Tuxedo and Sherry Cobbler, as well as modern creations from the country’s top bartenders (Jim Meehan’s East India Negroni, Derek Brown’s Kojo co*cktail).

Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes concludes with food recipes that illuminate the strength of sherry in a meal. More than a dozen recipes for tapas and other delicious foods—best eaten alongside a glass of sherry, of course—round out this wonderfully eclectic, engaging, and inspiring collection.

Table of Contents

  • How Sherry Is Made
  • Wines of the Sherry Spectrum
  • Sherry Through the Ages
  • The Modern Sherry Renaissance
  • The towns and Bodegas
  • Sherry co*cktails
  • Sherry at the Table
  • Where to find sherry
  • Acknowledgments
  • Index

This information and beautiful photography in this bookcombine to puta face and history to a name that's ever-circulating—and explains how to enjoy it properly.

Pour. Sip, Read, ENJOY!

BOOK DESCRIPTION

  • Condition: New. Hardback
  • Edition: First Edition - PublishedOctober, 2014
  • Publisher: Ten Speed Press
  • ISBN-13:978-1-60774-581-5
  • Pages:272
  • Dimensions:6.60 (w) x 9.10 (h) x 1.00 (d)
  • Rating:★★★★ (See FAQs)
  • About the Author
  • An Excerpt
  • TALIA BAIOCCHI is the editor-in-chief ofPUNCH, an online magazine focused on wine, spirits, and co*cktails. Previously, Baiocchi was the wine editor forEaterand a columnist atWine Spectator.She has written for theSan Francisco Chronicle,Decanter,Bon Appétit, andWine & Spiritsmagazine, among others.

    In 2013, she was named a top new talent in the food and wine world inForbesmagazine’s “30 Under 30” feature. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Sherry: A Modern Guide to the Wine World's Best-Kept Secret, with co*cktails and Recipes — Talia Baiocch (2024)

FAQs

Is sherry really good for you? ›

Sherry contains antioxidants that help control cholesterol levels, say scientists at the University of Seville. They claim to have shown that sherry, like red wine, contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which reduce the occurrence of heart disease.

Does sherry need to be refrigerated? ›

Once opened, store bottles with the cork firmly in place, and in the case of Finos and Manzanillas, keep always in the fridge. To fully appreciate the qualities of Sherry it is important to consume it within a reasonably short time. This length of time varies depending on the type.

What is the best sherry for co*cktails? ›

Oloroso sherry has been used in co*cktails since before Prohibition, its sweetness and body a great match for aged spirits like bourbon.

Does Aldi have sherry? ›

Specially Selected Pedro Ximenez Sherry 37.5cl | ALDI.

Is sherry bad for high blood pressure? ›

Scientists there believe that moderate consumption of sherry may actually help restore damaged arteries and reduce blood pressure. The results of the study were published in Clinical Nutrition, and they revealed that the polyphenols in sherry may contribute to cardiovascular health.

Does anyone still drink sherry? ›

Sherry is on a down tick, but trained wine drinkers (i.e. sommeliers etc.) have been pushing it. It's a great drink, but you have to learn the spectrum of the wine and pick your place on it. I like Amontillado myself. Not much on Palo Cortado.

Do you drink sherry straight? ›

How to Drink Sherry. Sherry can either be enjoyed neat or mixed into a co*cktail. If you plan on enjoying it straight, be sure to pay attention to the different styles, as they have vastly different flavor profiles. For something on the drier side, look for fino, manzanilla, amontillado or oloroso.

How long does a bottle of sherry last once opened? ›

Fino Sherry: You should drink an opened bottle of Fino within a day or two. Amontillado Sherry: An Amontillado can last around 1-2 months once opened. Palo Cortado Sherry: An opened bottle of Palo Cortado will last around 2-3 months. Oloroso Sherry: An Oloroso Sherry can last around 3 months once opened.

How do you know if sherry has gone bad? ›

Sherry doesn't spoil or go bad in the same way that a carton of milk does, though it doesn't last forever either. Its high alcohol content protects it, but it has a shelf-life. When Sherry goes off, you typically won't expect rancid flavours or mould. Rather, the wine will simply be lifeless and dull.

What is a good inexpensive sherry? ›

Valdespino Inocente ($24)

This always-reliable fino offers light, bready flor aromas and tangy, crisp flavors. It's a great introduction to fino sherry, ideal with a plate of jamón Ibérico and some marcona almonds.

What is the best brand of sherry? ›

The best sherry from the IWSC 2023
  • Emilio Lustau, VORS Amontillado NV. ...
  • Bodegas Williams & Humbert, Don Zoilo Fino En Rama NV. ...
  • Valdespino, Palo Cortado VOS 20 YO NV. ...
  • Gonzalez Byass, Tesco Finest Pedro Ximenez NV. ...
  • Bodegas Williams & Humbert, Don Zoilo Oloroso En Rama NV. ...
  • Emilio Lustau, VORS Cream NV.

What is the closest drink to sherry? ›

Dry Vermouth

Griffin says dry vermouth is the best direct substitute for cooking sherry because it mimics the flavor of sherry better than other options without the need for extra salt. Vermouth is a fortified white wine flavored with aromatic herbs, bitters, and spices, so it will add a ton of character to your dish.

What is sherry called now? ›

Apera is the new Australian name for dry sherry. The name Sherry is owned by the Spanish and the Port name is owned by the Portuguese, both are now under the control of the EU. Australia changed its name to Apera in 2010. Rules for Apera.

What is the most expensive sherry? ›

Massandra's Sherry de la Frontera 1775 or Massandra Sherry 1775 holds the world record for the most expensive Sherry bottle and was sold for $43,500 at a 2001 Sotheby's London auction.

Is sherry cheap wine? ›

Sherry is a very good deal – Like I said above, sherry tends to be quite inexpensive. Even a nice dry sherry won't set you back too much, and I find that even the cheapest ones (think, $4 like the passable Taylor sherry pictured above) can be very drinkable.

What does sherry do for the body? ›

Sherry helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps to prevent cancer. It helps to increase the blood circurlation that further improves oxygen delivery in the body. It treats insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Is sherry good for the liver? ›

Four of the most commonly produced Sherries, Oloroso, Manzanilla, Fino and Amontillado, were tested and all four increased the body's production of 'good' cholesterol, which medical experts think helps to carry potentially harmful cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver.

How much sherry should you drink? ›

Due to Sherry wine's complex flavors and high alcohol content, it is best served chilled in a small glass. When it comes to Sherry, less is more, so a 3-ounce glass is plenty. Sherry is a versatile drink.

Does sherry have a lot of sugar in it? ›

Fortified wines can have 150 grams per litre, which means that your favourite Port, Sherry, or Marsala can have as high as 15 percent residual sugar.

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