There are two basic types of Sherry—Fino and Oloroso.

All other styles—Amontillado, Cream, Manzanilla, Moscatel, Palo Cortado, Pedro Ximenez—are variations of these types.

From the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry region of Spain, a sweet Oloroso sherry can be the perfect dinner apéritif and multitask as the dessert wine afterwards.

Oloroso is Spanish for “fragrant”; a good Oloroso will be intensely aromatic. The typical sweet, rich fig and nut flavors can complement a dessert or be savored on their own.

• Pair an oloroso with pecan pie; with honey, toffee or buttercrunch ice-cream.
• For the cheese course, serve the sherry with blue cheese and figs. It’s a treat for the holidays or any time of year.

Sherry should be served at room temperature.

Enjoy your sherry! Photo courtesy Ritzenhoff.