Cream sherry is one of the most intriguing and indulgent types of fortified wines available. Known for its smooth texture and sweet, rich flavor profile, cream sherry has become a popular choice among wine enthusiasts, both for sipping on its own and as an accompaniment to meals. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just beginning to explore the world of sherry, understanding the various cream sherry brands, the taste profile, ideal pairings, and nutritional considerations can help you appreciate this exquisite drink even more.
In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of cream sherry, including its brands, taste, perfect food pairings, and caloric content, ensuring you have all the information to enjoy it to its fullest.
Cream Sherry Brands
The world of cream sherry boasts a variety of brands, each with its distinct characteristics and traditions. Cream sherry is a type of sweet sherry, typically produced from a blend of dry oloroso sherry and sweetened with either Pedro Ximénez or muscatel wines. The result is a rich, velvety drink with a balanced sweetness. Some brands stand out due to their long-standing reputations, quality, and innovation in the sherry-making process. Below are some of the most notable cream sherry brands that you should be aware of.
1. Harveys Bristol Cream
Harveys Bristol Cream is perhaps the most famous cream sherry in the world. It has been produced since 1796, and the brand has a long-standing tradition of making high-quality, full-bodied cream sherry. Harveys Bristol Cream is a blend of both oloroso and Pedro Ximénez wines, which gives it its characteristic deep amber color and rich, sweet flavor. It’s widely appreciated for its balanced sweetness and hints of nuts, figs, and caramel.
2. Lustau Solera Reserva Cream Sherry
Lustau is a well-known sherry producer with a reputation for producing exceptional wines, and its cream sherry is no exception. The Lustau Solera Reserva Cream Sherry is a blend of oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, aged in oak casks to impart a deep, rich flavor. This cream sherry is known for its complexity, with notes of dried fruit, toffee, and spices, offering a slightly less sweet and more nuanced option compared to other cream sherries.
3. Sandeman Cream Sherry
Sandeman is another iconic name in the world of sherry, and their cream sherry is beloved for its smooth, velvety texture and deep, rich flavor profile. Sandeman Cream Sherry is a blend of oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, and it is aged in the solera system to develop a complex, rounded flavor. It is less sweet than some other cream sherries, but still maintains a lovely caramelized sweetness with flavors of nuts and dried fruits.
4. González Byass Matusalem Cream Sherry
González Byass is a prestigious name in the world of Spanish wines, and their Matusalem Cream Sherry is one of the most popular choices for those looking for a rich, sweet sherry. This cream sherry is a blend of Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherries, aged for several years to develop its luxurious flavor. The Matusalem cream sherry offers an enticing combination of dried fruit, chocolate, and vanilla notes, making it a perfect choice for dessert pairings.
5. Emilio Lustau East India Solera Cream Sherry
Lustau’s East India Solera Cream Sherry is another exceptional offering from the Lustau family. This is a unique blend of both oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, which are aged in a traditional solera system. The result is a rich, smooth wine with a complex flavor profile that includes dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of spice. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a sherry with a bit of age and depth.
6. Williams & Humbert Cream Sherry
Williams & Humbert is known for producing high-quality sherries, and their cream sherry is no exception. This sherry is a blend of oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries, aged in the traditional solera system. The result is a smooth and rich wine with flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts. It is an excellent option for those looking for a full-bodied and balanced cream sherry.
7. Barbadillo Cream Sherry
Barbadillo is one of the oldest and most respected producers of sherry in Spain, and their cream sherry is widely loved. Barbadillo Cream Sherry is a blend of oloroso and Pedro Ximénez, aged for several years in the solera system to create a smooth, complex wine. With flavors of toffee, figs, and nuts, it is a fantastic choice for pairing with dessert or enjoying on its own.
Cream Sherry Taste
Cream sherry stands out for its rich, smooth, and velvety taste. While there is variation between different brands and expressions of cream sherry, there are some general characteristics that are commonly shared. Understanding these taste elements will help you appreciate cream sherry better and guide you in finding the perfect bottle for your preferences.
Richness and Smoothness
One of the most noticeable features of cream sherry is its richness and smooth texture. Thanks to the blending of Pedro Ximénez or muscatel with a dry oloroso base, cream sherry achieves a luxurious mouthfeel. The sweetness from the Pedro Ximénez grapes balances out the more robust, nutty flavors of the oloroso, creating a complex but smooth drink.
Sweetness
Cream sherry is known for its sweetness, which comes from the natural sugars in the grapes, particularly Pedro Ximénez. However, this sweetness is often balanced by the dry, oxidative characteristics of the base oloroso sherry. The result is a sweet wine that doesn’t feel overly cloying, as the acidity and oak aging help to cut through the sweetness, creating a more harmonious drink.
Nutty and Caramel Notes
Due to the aging process in oak barrels, cream sherry often exhibits nutty flavors, such as almonds and hazelnuts, along with caramel, toffee, and even chocolate notes. These flavors are enhanced by the oxidation process, which gives cream sherry its signature deep, dark color and complex taste profile. Some cream sherries may also have hints of dried fruit, such as figs, raisins, and dates, which further enrich the overall flavor.
Spicy and Woody Undertones
Many cream sherries, especially those that are aged for a longer period, also develop spicy and woody undertones. These flavors arise from the interaction between the wine and the oak barrels during aging. Notes of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla can be present, adding further complexity to the wine’s taste.
Balanced Acidity
Despite being a sweet wine, cream sherry has a noticeable level of acidity, which provides balance and freshness. This acidity prevents the wine from feeling overly rich or heavy and makes it more versatile in pairing with food. The acidity also helps the wine age well, allowing it to maintain its freshness over time.
Cream Sherry Pairing
One of the best aspects of cream sherry is its versatility when it comes to food pairings. Whether you’re serving it as an aperitif, pairing it with dinner, or enjoying it with dessert, cream sherry’s rich, complex flavor profile makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideal pairings to consider when enjoying cream sherry:
Cheese
Cream sherry pairs exceptionally well with cheese. Its sweetness and richness complement a variety of cheeses, particularly aged cheeses with nutty and savory profiles. Here are some excellent cheese pairings for cream sherry:
- Manchego: This Spanish cheese has a firm texture and a nutty flavor, making it a perfect complement to the smooth, rich sweetness of cream sherry.
- Blue cheese: The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweet, rich flavors of cream sherry.
- Aged Gouda: The caramel and nutty flavors in aged Gouda match well with the toffee and nutty undertones of cream sherry.
Dessert
Cream sherry is often enjoyed with desserts due to its sweet, luscious flavor. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate-based desserts, nuts, and even certain fruit-based dishes. Here are some great dessert pairings:
- Chocolate cake or brownies: The deep, caramel and nutty flavors in cream sherry pair perfectly with rich, chocolatey desserts.
- Tarts and pastries: Pastries with fruit fillings, such as apple tarts or almond croissants, pair nicely with the smooth sweetness of cream sherry.
- Dried fruit: Dried figs, apricots, and raisins are ideal accompaniments to the complex fruit notes in cream sherry.
Nuts
Nuts are a classic pairing with cream sherry, as the wine’s nutty, caramelized flavors complement roasted or salted nuts. Almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews work particularly well with cream sherry, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Spicy Dishes
Interestingly, cream sherry can also be paired with spicy dishes, especially those from Asian or Latin American cuisines. The sweetness of the wine helps to balance out the heat in dishes like spicy curries, grilled meats with chili, or even a spicy barbecue.
Cream Sherry Calories
When it comes to the nutritional content of cream sherry, there are a few key factors to consider, particularly its calorie content. Cream sherry is a fortified wine, which means that it has a higher alcohol content than regular wine. This higher alcohol content, combined with the sweetness, results in a higher calorie count.
Average Caloric Content
On average, a 3.5-ounce (100ml) serving of cream sherry contains around 140–150 calories. The actual number of calories can vary depending on the brand and the level of sweetness, but this is a good estimate for most cream sherries. The higher the sugar content in the wine, the more calories it will have.
Alcohol Content
Cream sherry typically has an alcohol content of around 17–20%, which is higher than that of regular wine (around 12–14%). The increased alcohol content also contributes to the overall calorie count.
Serving Suggestions
While cream sherry is a rich and indulgent wine, it is often served in smaller portions than other wines due to its sweetness and alcohol content. A typical serving size is around 2 ounces (60ml), which would have approximately 80–90 calories. Drinking it in moderation is key to enjoying it without overindulging in calories.
Conclusion
Cream sherry is a unique and indulgent drink that offers a balance of sweetness, richness, and complexity. Whether you’re exploring different brands, savoring its delightful taste, pairing it with the perfect foods, or watching your calorie intake, cream sherry is a versatile and enjoyable beverage that suits a variety of occasions. From classic brands like Harveys Bristol Cream to the more refined Lustau or Sandeman options, there’s a cream sherry out there to suit every palate.
By understanding its key characteristics and how to pair it, you can elevate your wine experience and truly appreciate the artistry that goes into producing this remarkable fortified wine. So, the next time you reach for a bottle of cream sherry, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of it.
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