What's new at GST?

Even the most seasoned Sherry taster would struggle to navigate all the wines at this year's Great Sherry Tasting. So, if you want the low-down on what to look out for, what's new and who's attending, read on. This is our fast-track guide of what not to miss.

Masterclasses will, once again, be a main feature of the event. Three very different sessions have been planned, each with a different audience in mind.

Masterclass programme

11.30am - 12.30pm Becoming a Sherry Sommelier ** FULLY BOOKED - WAITING LIST ONLY **
hosted by Andrea Briccarello, head sommelier at Galvin Group and Giovanni Ferlito, head sommelier, The Ritz

Learning about Sherry is just the beginning of becoming a true Sherry sommelier. Guests attending this masterclass will: taste six hand-picked Sherry wines, chosen by some of the UK’s leading sommeliers; learn the art of sharing Sherry knowledge with customers and staff; be taken on a culinary journey to understand how truly versatile Sherry is when pairing with food; and be welcomed into the world of Copa Jerez, the ultimate Sherry and food pairing competition.

1.30pm - 2.30pm Cheese pairing with Sherry ** FULLY BOOKED - WAITING LIST ONLY **
hosted by Susy Atkins

Tasting Sherry often gives added dimensions of flavour, depth and aromas but when those wines are tasted again with different cheeses something magical happens. This masterclass will explore six different styles of Sherry paired with three different cheeses, from Paxton & Whitfield, to illustrate the dramatic and evolving flavour sensations of pairing Sherry with cheese.

3.45pm - 4.45pm The nation's favourite Sherries: en rama & cream ** LIMITED AVAILABILITY **
hosted by Beltrán Domecq

Two styles of Sherry dominate the headlines in the UK, and they couldn’t be more different. Each has caught the attention of a demanding British public but both have their own unique tales to tell. Guests to this masterclass will taste five of the best examples from both ranges, under the expert tutelage of the CRDO Jerez y Manzanilla president, Beltrán Domecq.

Firstly, the latest addition to the Sherry family are en rama wines, most often younger styles of bone-dry Fino and Manzanilla, released typically in Spring and Autumn each year when the ‘flor’ is most active.

And, then, the most well-known sweeter styles of medium dry, medium sweet and cream Sherry. Often overlooked but these styles provide elegant wines, perfect for food pairing and give the most rewarding tasting experience.