UK is a ‘vibrant’ market for Sherry

The fifth Great Sherry Tasting took place in London this week attracting a record number of trade visitors to sample wines from more than 38 producers, represented by 23 of the UK’s leading importers.

More than 300 members of the trade attended the event hosted by Beltran Domecq, president of the Consejo Regulador in Jerez, who described the market for Sherry in the UK as “vibrant”.

“We welcomed visitors from all over the UK, not just the capital and metropolitan areas, which for me tells us thirst for knowledge about Sherry is very strong”, Mr Domecq said. “For us it is obviously about converting that enthusiasm and knowledge into sales, but Monday’s tasting is our first step in teaching the trade about these fine and rare wines, from which we hope they can achieve higher sales”.

Organisers also recorded record numbers of visitors attending all three masterclasses, which included one hosted by Sarah Jane Evans MW, chair of the Institute of Masters of Wine, which focused on Sherry’s versatility to pair with a selection of fine chocolates and artisan cheese.

“We tasted some outstanding aged Sherries and got to see how well they accompany distinctive and complex flavours”, said Evans. “In particular, one match that stood out for me, and some of our tasters, was the award-winning Tajine Apricot chocolate bonbons, made by Chika Watanabe, paired with 30 year old (VORS) Oloroso – delicious.”

She added: “And, I think everyone should make room for a cream Sherry in their lives. For me, it’s an often forgotten and under appreciated wine, and one of today’s favourite matches with blue cheese.”

The tasting also featured a section on Sherry cocktails, offering an alternative serving suggestion for the style. Four cocktails were presented which included the She & T, mixing Fino with tonic for a twist on the classic G&T; a Bloody Sherry, that adds Oloroso to spiced tomato juice to perk up a traditional Bloody Mary; Bamboo, a manzanilla inspired Martini; and a Sheroni, that welcomes PX to the campari-based Negroni.

The event also marked the launch of Sherry Wines UK’s Great Sherry Festival, a two week in-store promotional campaign with over 40 of the UK’s leading wine merchants taking part. Furthermore, from 2 – 8 November, Sherry Wines will host International Sherry Week – week-long international celebration of Sherry.

Beltran Domecq, president of the Consejo Regulador in Jerez