"sherry" news and stories

Back in October I linked to a drink called The Atomic Cocktail, which is made with Plymouth Gin, Galliano, and Grapefruit juice. Now comes another drink with the same name.

This one is via David Wondrich at Esquire, and he says the drink after the jump was invented in Las Vegas in the early 50s. It's made with vodka, brandy, sherry, and champagne.

Alvear Pedro Ximénez De Anada 2003 from Spain is 17%abv / 34 proof because it is a mildly fortified wine, and has a phenomenal natural level of 465 grams of sugar per liter. The color of this wine is a coppery orange brown with an exceptionally thick and heavy body. You could use a spoon to drink this luscious wine, heck it's almost thick enough to use a fork.

The aroma is full of fresh dates and figs, while the taste is very broad and complex with dates, figs, English toffee, raisins, as well as a hint of warm spices like mace, clove, and Vietnamese cinnamon. It is a full, full flavor that is soft and furry, and explodes on your tongue with every sip, ending with a strong, long, and lingering finish.

If you like rum raisins and toffee you will go wild over this wine. I found it delightful served chilled in a small wine glass, and spent many hours in front of my fireplace taking tiny sips, and letting the syrupy goodness wash over my tongue and through my soul. I can't say enough good things about this sweet and luscious wine.

Wine Enthusiast has an interesting take on combining candy with treats of a somewhat more mature nature. Pairing wine with candy sounds like a great way for the big kids to enjoy themselves on Halloween. Just be sure not to offer a glass to any wee goblins who ring your doorbell next week.

Among the suggested pairings:

• Chocolate: Always goes well with Port, but WE suggests anything in the red wine family, including Shiraz and Banyuls.
• Chocolate with nuts: Try a Sherry or Madeira to go with that Snickers bar.
• Caramel apples: Muscat or Gewürtzraminer are match well with caramel notes, while a Sauternes will highlight more of the apple flavor.
• Candy corn: WE suggests a Chardonnay to pick up on the seasonal treat's buttery, vanilla flavors.

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