Many people think Sherry is a sweet drink, but there are several styles—mostly dry and irresistibly delicious. Manzanilla and Fino are two bone-dry versions. They are the favorites of the Spanish, especially when paired with a spread of tasty tapas—think garlicky grilled shrimp or bowls of green olives drizzled with olive oil.
I usually get a hankering for sherry when seafood is on the menu, and Manzanilla is my top choice. This light and elegant wine hails exclusively from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a small seaside town in southern Spain. The humid ocean air lends the wine its signature sea spray aroma and crisp, salty tang—a true taste of the coast.
One of my favorites is Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla. Its savory, salty character enhances the brininess of seafood—from shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels, and grilled shrimp to delicate white fish filets and hearty, oily fish like salmon or sardines.
La Gitana Manzanilla comes in three sizes: 375 ml, 500 ml, and 750 ml, and prices range from $14 to $28. If you’ve never had a dry sherry, this one is a great place to start. Try it with your favorite seafood, and let me know what you think.
You can find it on wine-searcher.com.