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 afterward.

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.

The second week in November is Internationl Sherry Week. Why not gather some friends and try a few?

Enjoy your sherry (photo © Ritzenhoff).