Jerez on your doorstep

Which is why each year the Great Sherry Tasting attracts such a wide audience of Sherry enthusiasts from across all sectors of the industry. And, earlier this month (12 September), the 2016 event was no different.

Of course it is not just the open tasting of nearly 200 sherries from 40 different producers that pull in the tasters. This year a trio of masterclasses were also a hot ticket that, put simply, give the UK trade the best opportunity to taste and learn about sherry - all under the expert guidance of CRDO Jerez y Manzanilla, president, Beltran Domecq.

Guests had the opportunity to taste a full range of sherry styles (manzanilla to PX) in the Sherry Uncovered session. And in the Sherry Landscape session, tasters were introduced to the concept of pagos - designated vineyards of unique soils and microclimates - with the release of a new DO vineyard map (see pictures).

Click on the download below for a copy of the Sherry Uncovered masterclass presentation.

Click on the download below for a copy of the Sherry Landscape masterclass.

Click here to download a copy of the Great Sherry Tasting 2016 catalogue.

The action packed event also saw the announcement of a new Sherry and food pairing guide, to be published on 5 October 2016 by one the UK's most prominent food and wine writers, Fiona Beckett (www.matchingfoodandwine.com). The first in a new series of books, Fiona's 101 Ways to Enjoy Sherry breaks down the misconceptions about when to enjoy and what to eat with Sherry.

So, if you didn't get to attend this year, and feel like you've missed out, there is always next year. Or, for the ultimate Sherry experience, you could venture out to Jerez...