“Sherry is useful. He will disperse the stupidity, gloom and rudeness that has accumulated in the brain, and the thought will inspire ... " So Shakespeare said about him.
The sun in the glass
An interesting phrase is familiar to everyone. Someone would call it an exhibition, a book or a picture, and for the article, the phrase became a description of the pride of the Spanish people in the wine "Jerez de la Frontera" vintage 1775.
What is hidden in a glass of sparkling wine? The alluring aroma of the pulp of grapes, a favorable climate, where the vine grew, the sun's rays or a long history?
Perhaps someone will drink it in the name or for achieving the goal, and for someone, the drink will help drown the tears of grief and sorrow. Still, the use of sparkling wine - drunkenness or culture?
Since people learned the true taste of a grape drink, there has been debate and discussion. Some consider the love of wine a sin, while others - the delight of life. But it is unlikely that people will find the answer to this question, because each of us interprets life in our own way ...
A city soaked with wine
“Jerez de la Frontera” is a wine born in the city of the same name on the hills of Andalusia. The original is produced only in Spain, and since 1996 no other wine drink has the right to bear the proud name of sherry.
The Phoenicians who lived before our era cut down forests located in the territory of Andalusia. To prevent the land from turning into a desert, they planted them with olives and vineyards. Soon, the beneficial effects of climate and soil on plants turned the sale of wine and oil into a profitable business for the people.
After the conquest of this territory by the Arabs, the vineyards wanted to destroy, since the drinking of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by the Quran. But the inhabitants convinced the invaders to leave the plants, explaining that otherwise the raisins would disappear, which helps restore the strength of the soldiers after the battles.
The Christians who liberated the lands from the Arabs considered wine the best way to cure diseases, and the glass of sparkling drink drunk before the battle, in their opinion, gave courage to the defenders and their horses.
Since 1264, only monasteries have been producing wine products. Since the discovery of America, opportunities and demand have increased.
Already in the 15th century, “Jerez da la Frontera” was imported into England, but because of the difficult pronunciation, the inhabitants of the country called it “sherry”.
Many people know that most of the technology for wine production appeared in France. “Jerez de la Frontera” is an exception wine, as its production methods were developed in Spain.
Today, wine cellars are not only a place where a sparkling drink is stored. Occupying a significant territory of the city, they turned into sights that are the first to meet guests of the city of Jerez de la Frontera.
Photo of the most expensive and famous sherry
According to official figures, the Crimean Massandra in its collection has 5 such bottles. 11 years ago, at Sotheby's, they sold one for $ 50,000. And in September of this year, the leadership planned to help out for a bottle of 1 million euros.
Not a single sparkling drink attracted as much attention as a bottle of 1775 Jerez de la Frontera collection wine.
King among his
A fan or connoisseur of gourmet drinks knows that sherry is a fortified wine. It has a bright taste and strong healing properties, thanks to which it is called the “king of aperitifs”. But sherry cannot be considered a weak alcoholic beverage, capable of only stimulating appetite.
To improve the digestive tract and dessert, sweet varieties are suitable. But a true gourmet knows that with its versatility, the drink can easily replace table wine. It is ideal for any dish, be it chicken legs, lamb or seafood. For example, an experienced chef knows how difficult it is to choose the right wine for smoked fish or for some types of seafood. But this problem does not apply to sherry. Its aroma will not be able to interrupt even the strong smell of fish oil.
The taste of real sherry is original and can become an ideal ally for cigar smoke. It can be served even with coffee. In addition, a bottle of wine “Jerez de la Frontera” (Spain) not only accompanies the serving of dishes, but can also participate in their creation. This wine is used in the preparation of sauces and cooking additives. And according to restaurant critics, dishes prepared on its basis have no equal in taste.
Geography of Sherry
For several centuries, the Spanish land kept secret the recipe for the production of wine "Jerez de la Frontera." Mastering the release process by other states and continents began in the 20th century.
Wine drinks similar to sherry are produced in Bulgaria, the United States, France, England, Switzerland and Russia.
The first use of Spanish yeast for the preparation of a sparkling drink such as "Jerez de la Frontera" in Russia occurred in 1910. Samples prepared according to this recipe already by 1948 began to be produced in Turkmenistan, Dagestan, Moldova, Crimea and Krasnodar.
Few people know that the only brand producing wine that is similar in quality and taste to Jerez de la Frontera is Massandra. It meets the standards for the production of the original drink. It, as in Spain, is made on the basis of filmy yeast. And in France it is called straw, or Andalusian wine.
Popular spanish sherry
“Fino” translates as “subtle” or “perfect.” Of all the species, it is the driest, has a pale yellow color and contains from 15.5 to 17% alcohol. The bitter taste makes it look like almonds. The aging period of Fino is 3-5 years.
In the area of ​​Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Manzanilla wine is produced, which is part of the Fino sherry group. Thanks to the humid climate in which the vines grow, the drink is softer and more aromatic. Ripe drinks "Manzanilla Pasada" in the fortress can reach 20%.
“Oloroso” (Spanish “fragrant”) is another type of sherry. Until the strength of the wine reaches 18%, it is aged under a film. After that, the life of the yeast ends, and the drink begins the aging process in barrels, while having contact with air. Due to the ongoing oxidation, the wine turns dark amber, and to taste it is like a combination of walnut and sweet caramel. Glycine forms in Oloroso and is slightly oily in consistency. The strength of the wine reaches 18 - 20%. The wine group of this variety of sherry includes Palo Cortado and Raya Oloroso. The first drink is dark in color with a more delicate and pleasant taste, the second has a somewhat intense color, and its minimum strength is 18%.
All the best qualities of the two previous species were absorbed by the Amontillado sherry. The ripening process lasts about 5 years exclusively under mold. Then, to destroy fluorine, alcohol is added to it and insisted for 6-7 years. "Amontillado" has an amber color, the alcohol content in it is 24%, and the taste resembles hazelnut.
The last variety of sherry is highly appreciated by gourmets and tasters, since not every time it is possible to get the desired taste.
Popular brands
One of the largest producers of wine "Manzanilla" is considered "Antonio Barbadillo." The company annually produces more than 50 brands of Manzanilla.
The best-tasted Amontillado is sold by Duff Gordon.
The first place in sales and the annual volume of wine production is occupied by the company Gonzales Bayass. It was formed in 1783, but the production of sherry began in 1835.
Today, the company owns 2,000 hectares of vineyards, thanks to which a wide range of wines is produced annually. It produces the popular and sold in the world “Fino”, which has an elegant aroma - “Tio Pepe.”
Medicinal properties and reviews
“Sun Drink” is produced all over the world, but only Spain will give you a real taste of white fortified wine “Jerez de la Frontera”. Reviews about it only confirm the fact that it is tasty and useful not only for digestion. Every day, drinking one glass of "real" sparkling wine, you protect your body from diseases of the coronary artery. Sherry also flushes harmful cholesterol from the body.
By and large, the debate about who owns the real Jerez de la Frontera should be decided by the Spaniards themselves. And we should remember that in spite of its great taste and pleasant refined aroma, sherry is an alcoholic drink and should not be abused.