Sherry Wine Tasting, Time to Save Money

Sherry Wine Tasting, Time to Save Money – Episode #303

August 29, 2007

Taste along Gary Vaynerchuk as he shares some Sherry love with the Vayner Nation. These wines from Spain need some serious attention and GV will try to do just that!

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Comments on this episode(163) Leave a comment ›

“Great show! I’d love for you to taste a Commandaria and compare it to …” by Abouna
“Good intro on the episode and beautiful rant…it makes lots of sense….” by Adrian aka AnGkEr
View all 163 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

Alvear Fino SherrySpanish Sherry
Pedro Romero Amontillado Dry Rich SherrySpanish Sherry
Pedro Romero Dry Oloroso SherrySpanish Sherry
Alvear Cream SherrySpanish Sherry

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Diggnation 112

163 Responses

August 29, 2007

garyv
1st
August 29, 2007

mbannon
Now how am I supposed to beat The Man himself to the #1 post???
August 29, 2007

Oleg I.
3rd
August 29, 2007

Marc
top 10!
August 29, 2007

Pat Mc
I’ll be dropping by the store later today on drive through scenic NJ. Am bummed that the big announcement is tomorrow and not today. For the IPhone contest and the idea of tasting along – what about those of us who live in non-ship states? Make it something that’s easy to get. Thanks for another great epi.
August 29, 2007

Bossman
Dude, stop the Thundercat abuse!

I get the fact that snap judgements irk you but you don’t have to take it out on the cats. Tomorrow, you’re getting some more, and one of them is packing (Chris, wear goggles).

Don’t make me report you to Action Figure Protective Services.
August 29, 2007

Squidbeak
First top 10! Lurker no more.
August 29, 2007

Norcal
Top 10! Looking forward to the big announcement, GV, snarf snarf!
August 29, 2007

GregO
THANK YOU GARY! I have been waiting for that for a long time. I guess I should actually watch it now.
August 29, 2007

brooklyni
sherry! yes!
August 29, 2007

Travis G. Snyder
I’m enjoying your post-post moderninst, Gen X approach to wine tasting and review. The first episode I watched, Bourgogne (cuz I’m going there in 10 days and reading Clive Coates, studying the wines, the language, all that biz), well, let’s just say it was tough to get past the intro. Once I made it past the zealot intro, well, it was OK info. Maybe I didn’t learn anything on the Bourgogne episode (BTW, Alex Gambal’s 2005 Bourgogne is really good, I’d drink it again), but the Cote Rotie epsiode, now that was useful stuff. You peaked my interest, I’m going to finally break down and buy some Cote Rotie, Guigal I suspect. So, 1 day and 5 episodes later, I finally get the intro, and I’m still watching, which means I like it, and I’m learning. And I like it, because the information, the language, well, it’s very post-post modern Gen X shit, and, it’s useful, it’s good, and most importantly, it’s damn honest. You just lay it on the table, no hidden agendas; transparent, but not shallow.
August 29, 2007

Brandon M
Top 50 is so lame
August 29, 2007

Rob
I just started watching your show. Bravo!!! Very entertaining. I can tell you really enjoy wine.

I was disappointed to find that the ‘04 Pichone Baron had sold out so quickly. Oh well I guess I was late on the trigger.
August 29, 2007

dmg
not top 10
August 29, 2007

Autoproxy
Nice episode…glad you’re respecting the amontillado.

QOTD: I don’t really know; they’re hard to spot.
August 29, 2007

Jake
I’ve been meaning to try sherry, I’ll try the last two. Seems like you’ve been bringing wines with good QPR lately, that’s always nice. That one dolcetto you were raving about yesterday is definately one that I would seek out. Thanks for all that you do.
August 29, 2007

*/^_^\*
when i identified the almond flavor component in my first bottle of Amontillado a few years ago it was my first step in building a palate…
August 29, 2007

Daniel
Wow, really neat. I’ve had a few Ports, but never Sherry. Now I’ll have to try it.

QOTD: I don’t really know any lurkers because I don’t personally know anyone else who watches. I tell my friends and family, but they’re not interested like I am. Their loss
August 29, 2007

Dr. Aaron
Gary, I’m gonna try some Sherry because of this ep.

Question for you: Do you notice that bottles of the same wine (same grape, producer, vintage, storage, etc, etc.) can taste significantly different? I ask because I have noticed that successive bottles of the same wine from a case often don’t taste the same, even when drank a day apart.
August 29, 2007

Ryan
Yeah Catavino’s favorite Wine on Wine Library! Thanks gary for taking on this most important treat!
August 29, 2007

hinrgman
Gary

Why not any Solera???
August 29, 2007

Colin
Sherry = great value.

QOTD: I know one. Me.
August 29, 2007

Ryan
BTW Alvear is not Sherry! Just Sherry style wine! Alvear is a wine from Montilla Moriles and only uses the grape Pedro Ximenez. Sherry comes from the area of Jerez and the fino’s there are made from Palomino fino!
August 29, 2007

Ryan
Hate to be a geek, but Alvear doesn’t make Sherry! Alvear is located in Montilla Moriles and only uses one grape PX. YOu need to make wine in Jerez to actually be a sherry. Try their Fino en Rama, for a great wine, but not a sherry.
August 29, 2007

cgatesman
Great initial rant! I’m with ya, man!
August 29, 2007

rob in indy
Never tried a sherry.. well one time back in college a friend of mine had a roommate named Sherry.. but I don’t think it’s the same thing.. I’m going to run out and get a bottle and try this weekend. Can’t wait for tomorrow. Great show as usual..
August 29, 2007

mbannon
I had a sherry once, I don’t like ‘em. Okay, j/k. I didn’t like the first one I had (a manzanilla), but since then have had quite a few that turned me on, especially with Chinese food.

QOD – One. My neighbor. He loves your show, but only watches when he’s hanging out at my house drinking wine. Don’t know why.
August 29, 2007

Arthur
Gary:

You are 100% right in your “rant”!

We all have to remember that our preferences change over time. What was repulsive to us when we first got into wine, may now be intriguing and desirable as one’s understanding of wine has evolved.

Your appreciation and showcasing of wines that don’t smell and taste like still-fermenting must is commendable. I think it’s interesting how not all the wines you yourself seem to like (Roagna Dolcetto D Alba 2005, for example), do not necessarily have those youthful, fruity flavors but rather the earthy, herbal and other, evolved (and, at times odd sounding) components.

These wines also really show their beauty when paired with well-chosen dishes. Wine, after all, is not just a social drink/alternative to a cocktail, but is meant (and in many cases was brought up over time) to complement food.

I am filled with antici-p-p-p-p-p-pation over tomorrow’s announcement.
August 29, 2007

Cat Pee Smells Like Wine :-)
In the next 45 days, huh? That was in January. Well, better late than never I suppose
August 29, 2007

David Canada
GregO….your episode has arrived!
Thanks for the info as i am clueless!
QOTD – 1 – Tim….that’s right Aurora Tim, time for you to come out of lurkerdom and show a little respect
August 29, 2007

Aaron C
Could not agree more with the opening rant. Some of the best food, drinks, and just plain life experiences come from trying things at least twice if not more.

I really appreciate the informational part of todays show. Background on the types of wines, how there made, and other essential information that you veterans are familiar with is priceless for me.

I’m a big fan of Whiskey so I’m definitely excited about tasting a few Sherrys to maybe catch a glimpse of something I’m more familiar with in this new territory.
August 29, 2007

Catavino - - Spanish Wine, Portuguese wine and more! » Blog Archive » Gary takes on two Sherry's in his Sherry Episode!
[...] He starts the episode telling us he will be reviewing 4 sherries but two of them are not. Watch the Sherry episode and tell us what is wrong with this picture. Two of the wines are not like the others, and two of [...]
August 29, 2007

Aaron C
Oh, and as far as the QOtD: I don’t know any lurkers. I’m the only one I know who watches the show. Although, I am actively trying to change that fact. I’m sure my friends are already sick of me telling them to watch, they’ll soon figure out I won’t stop until they do!
August 29, 2007

Zach
Thanks for another educational episode. Considering the price, I don’t know how I cannot pick up a bottle of sherry the next time I’m at the store.

QOTD: I know 1. I’ve told a bunch of people about the show, but only one watches regularly. Not sure if he reads the comments, but if he does, stop lurking T-BERT!
August 29, 2007

Dusty
Hard to resist trying new stuff like sherry when its priced so reasonable. QOTD: not sure I know any lurkers. I’ll be easier to spot out in public here soon after my birthday when the tshirts I order show up, so hopefully I’ll know more after that.
August 29, 2007

waibeans
hahaha.. GV, when you were pounding on the table and the thundercat fell over, the look on your face was classic!!

thx for makin me laugh today
August 29, 2007

Robert Mc
Gary,

My first post here, so I guess I’m a lurker of sorts. Nice to see you reviewing these sherries, but … for someone who claims to be supporting them, I got the feeling your heart was not in it.

I actually already like, and drink, sherry, but I’m not sure I recognised some of your descriptions (admittedly I have not tried these particular Montillas and Sherries).

I guess that with the big announcement tomorrow there are lots of things on the go, but I would like to see you try a few more sherries (maybe even a VOS or VORS) to set the quality benchmark and really get people into great sherries. Sherry is a great story and you could be the catalyst for really getting it back on people’s tables. Not just with cheese.

Greetings from London (and a facebook friend)
August 29, 2007

Jeff O
I’m slowly working my way up the sherry scale from dry to sweet, I’m only on the medium dry but I agree with you Gary, the sweeter ones do seem more appealing. I think thats because dry sherries seem like toffee that has acidity in place of the sugar. Not really my cup of tea, maybe it’s a European thing…

QOTD: Nope don’t know any lurkers, or for that matter, anyone else that watches the show, friends don’t seem that interested. Oh well, when I’m wow-ing everyone with my amazing wine picking skills, they’ll be sorry.

That’s right, I gots skills…
August 29, 2007

Bill V.
My aunt used to drink cream sherry, so I grew up thinking sherry was for little old ladies. And cooking. And winos.
Once again, you’ve opened my eyes.
I’ll be trying sherry & cheese soon.
QOTD: Wouldn’t know a lurker if I saw one –
but I’ll keep checking wrists.
BV
August 29, 2007

Mark T.
August 29, 2007

SS Chris
38th
August 29, 2007

Sarah L
I was hoping that the big announcement was going to be that you were going to appear as a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars” – maybe next season?

I know the corks are different on sherry bottles, does that mean an opened bottle will last longer than a regular bottle of wine? If so, how long?
August 29, 2007

SS Chris
I tried a Dolcetto once….it sucked!!!
August 29, 2007

Shadowbird
You’re completely right on trying a varietal over and over again until you find one you like. It took me a long time before I found a Shiraz I could drink.
August 29, 2007

KAHUNA
I met a girl named Sherry she sucked- but trust me I went back for more!
August 29, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
HEY! I DON’T NEED A GD LECTURE FROM YOU ON WHAT TO LIKE OR DON’T LIKE,,, I CAN GET THAT AT HOME FROM MY WIFE!! I’M DONE WITH WLTV, I’M GOING BACK TO THE RP BLOGS WHERE SERIOUS! WINE TALK IS HAPPINING!!!!!!

Ok, how was my rant????
August 29, 2007

Chris G
Been waiting for that
Thanks Gary
Your opening rant probably applies to Sherry more than anything else!Bone dry to sugar rush sweet! It is great with cheese but the best thing for me is roasted almonds, it’s what they stick on the bars in Spain and fo good reason I reckon. Highly addictive.

PS What the hell is this anouncement! I waited all day and as I’m in London it’s like having to wait 5 hours longer!! AAAGGHH
August 29, 2007

Loweeel
“Right now, all I taste are nuts in my mouth.”

“Do you like nuts in your mouth?”

Gary, it’s called “teabagging”. All the things we find out about the secret life of Gary Vay-NER-CHUCK…
August 29, 2007

Deano
Gary i have learned a ton about new wines i havent heard of this week. Thanks for spreading the knowledge

QOTD:
-The only lurkers i know are a couple of my co-workers however i think they only watch when they are in my cube LOL
August 29, 2007

WineShopChic
Haha…. my first experience with Sherry was shots in a cardgame… you lost a hand you did a shooter of sherry – nasty! I up for giving Sherry another shot – that was like 10 years ago after all. Ha! Sherry as a punishment!!!

QOTD: I’ve begun to spead the word to some of my wineshop pastrons, don’t know if I’ve created any lurkers or not – I hope so

Lookin’ forward to tomorrow – thx for the edumication on Sherry.
August 29, 2007

waibeans
heheh.. nice one Loweeel

QOD i no know lurkers 8
August 29, 2007

WineShopChic
Loweeel : Call it like it is! Wow, whipping out w. the teabagging, Nice!
August 29, 2007

Billr
I admit, I AM A LERKER until yesterday. A lerker as far as not commenting on episodes of WLTV. BUT, I do more than lerk, I buy and I taste three or four days a week (I work the other three) and Gary, that should account for something……. I agree 105% when it comes to not giving up on a wine just because it did not fit your personnel tastes ONCE. 3 or 4 out of every 5 wines I’ve tasted lately to me taste like *R#POLA but I still keep trying. I am new at this wine thingy and I never throw anything away (unless maybe it tastes like something a monkey might of voided) and I will try it along with others again later. Thanks again for another great learning experiance.
August 29, 2007

PerterLee
Gary, can you please explain me the meaning of “lurker”. I’m from Germany and I cant’t find a understandable translation. At least it doesn’t seem right to me.

I know it’s not your job to be an English teacher for German dudes. However, maybe you can to it once. Thanx in advance.
August 29, 2007

Sassodoro
Hi, Gary. Great episode.

And I loved your rant. People’s tendency to draw strong conclusions from small samples is only one of many discrepancies between intuitive judgment and statistical principles. Daniel Kahneman won a Nobel Prize for his research on these matters (http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economics/laureates/2002/kahnemann-lecture.pdf). A great deal of this and related research would also be relevant to the psychology of numerical wine ratings. I would love to sit down with Sir Gary and chat about it, perhaps over a glass of Sherry (or Montilla-Moriles, as some Vayniacs appear to insist).

QOTD. I don’t know any lurkers, or at least, I don’t know that I know any lurkers.
August 29, 2007

Flavio
Keep the good shows coming.

I’ve had Fino many times with olives and almonds… and Cream Sherry with dessert, but haven’t really explored the ones in between. Looking forward to the sherry / cheese pairing episode (never tried, but will experiment in the meantime… maybe some nice Manchego or Cabrales).

PS: Eli’s and Zabar’s (NYC) sell the best roasted Spanish almonds (lightly seasoned in-house with e bit of olive oil, sea salt and thyme). Absolutely delicious pairing for a nice Sherry.
August 29, 2007

SS Chris
KAHUNA….same girl….Sherri Docetto!
August 29, 2007

SS Chris
I meant…Sherri Dolcetto
August 29, 2007

Sonnenuhr
Guess you had to get the sherry thing out of the way. I do enjoy ports, but only every now and then. Great show on the Dolcetto yesterday – mille grazie!
August 29, 2007

KenP
Rant away, GV. Enjoyed the ep. Sherry is not my thing but now, darn it, I feel called to try again. Curse education!
August 29, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Back to your rant…..

You are so right,,, honestly, how many people like Scotch the first time they try it??? be honest… now I’m up to the the peat-e-est stuff they make just so I don’t have to share it with my friggn’ brother-in-law!

BTW, I love sherry, all kinds.
Can’t wait for tomorrow.
August 29, 2007

Micha
As we can see, Sherry is always good for some serious confusion At least i like a good DRY Sherry, esp. as an opener before Dinner.
August 29, 2007

SS Chris
BTW, I’ve started adding the “GV Fun Facts:” to the SS. It appears in the T/N’s of the 1st wine of the episode…

TODAY’s Ep #303 GV FUN FACT: Two primary types of Sherries – Fino is lighter while Oloroso is darker, & then, different classifications as well!!

Ep #294 GV FUN FACT: Fume Blanc (FB) is actually Sauvignon Blanc!

Ep #293 GV FUN FACT: Cote Rotie (CR) is made up of Syrah & Viognier ONLY (maximum of 20% Viognier)!!

good stuff for NOOBS like me….thanks you sir!
August 29, 2007

TagWorld Brian
A-nnounce! A-nnounce! A-nnounce! Let’s do this thing already.

I had a bottle of N.V. Alvear Pedro XimÃ©nez Montilla-Moriles Solera 1927 ($7.49). Tooks weeks to drink, because it was so concentrated. My pretentious cellartracker notes: “Powerful, hot nose of raisins, prunes, and burnt sugar. Tastes the same, with some viscous honey mixed in to boot. High alcohol (Hi, Alcohol!), but amazingly smooth, forgiving finish. Encourages repeat sips. Tawny port’s soulful cousin.”
August 29, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
I do not like nuts in my mouth but my girlfriend might
August 29, 2007

Jeffrey
in before the lock!
August 29, 2007

AmandaM
I tried Sherry once in England and wasn’t overly impressed, but I’m definitely going to revisit it. I might even do it this weekend with some nice cheeses.
QOTD: I showed a friend of mine an episode of WLTV and I think he liked it, so if he’s watching now, he’s a lurker.
August 29, 2007

vivaitalia
At least I know now not to try sherry as I don’t like dessert wines or brandy. Just the color on those grossed me out. Can’t say I know any lurkers, don’t know many wine people, I’m gonna try to get all the guys who run the wine shops that I go to to give it a shot. It’s awesome, with the knowledge i’ve acquired here, I’m teaching them things! I got into it with a snobby owner today about alba not being the only place dolcetto is made. I’m very curious as to what the announcement is all about. You’re gonna start charging us a monthly fee aren’t you? j/k. You know If I took that one bottle attitude I never would have some some of the cabs that I thoroughly enjoy cuz the first couple I had were just too oaked.
August 29, 2007

CMA
Alright, give it up for the Jerez. I gotta say, I like to enjoy sherry from times to time. Some PX on ice cream, or just manzanilla as an apertif. And as a CKC, not a bad price point.
August 29, 2007

Neil
QOTD: One, maybe two, tops. I know of one lurker who has written rather serious comments and deleted them instead of posting them. Call them the “add comment” shy lurkers.
August 29, 2007

joe p.
I probably know 2 – 3 lurkers…
August 29, 2007

Brythephotoguy
Excellent opening rant!

NEVER EVER judge food or wine (I’m sure there are many other tings)on the first experience

I was a very picky eater as a kid – - lots of things I hated back then I love now… Turns out my mom was just a bad cook.
August 29, 2007

Fred
Me likey!!! (Sherry)
QOTD: me, myself, I,, so far, been trying to convert people for months,
How many have I told? Over 30 for sure.
How many do I know that watch? (they’re all morons for not watching, or they’re just lurking worse than i!)

Can’t wait for the announcement! (Does Gary buy the Jets? Does he get to sing the anthem at the game,, no, wait, we’ve heard him sing. Is he officially changing his name to Lion-O?)

We’ll never know,,,
till tomorrow!
August 29, 2007

Robert F
Looove the nuts in my mouth. Are the cream sherrys (sherries?) at all like Madeira? I really love Madeira and almost always have a bottle open (since it lasts forever after opening). It might be nice to try a sherry if anything because they’re way cheaper than a good bottle of madeira.
August 29, 2007

Lb in KS
Coming out of semi~lurkdom to say..I’m diggin’ on the fun facts you’re tossing out to us…thanks G.
August 29, 2007

Martin
“All I can taste is nuts in my mouth?” Whoa! Seriously, very nice lesson. I think I know five lurkers.
August 29, 2007

Kevin K.
Thanks for calling out my lady.
QOTD: One less than yesterday. =)
August 29, 2007

Keith L
Agree with the rant, can’t believe that people who watch this podcast, who should be interested in wines, would try things only once and decide that is the way it always is. More for the rest of us I guess.

Only tried Sherry when visiting Jerez, in Andalucia, southwest Spain. I TRIED SEVERAL TYPES AND BRANDS and decided sherry was not for me. I do not buy it, but I do not turn it down. Port is more my to taste.
August 29, 2007

KimG
Funny thing. In my book, the good stuff for (almost) no money is Tio Pepe Fino, a very dry Sherry, and I have never tasted a really good cream. Good episode, though, thanks for tasting for us!
August 29, 2007

Plminer
I tried a Sherry once and didn’t like so I’m NEVER going to drink another again.
No, I need to try some more because I really enjoy Ports, Sauterns, Muscat’s and Late Harvest Rieslings (or Spatlese, Auslese, or Botrytis infected Beeranauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese) …etc. so I know there are some Sherry’s out there I’ll enjoy. Very informative episode GV, thanks man! Cheers!
QOTD: Two 2 II .. () ” ||
August 29, 2007

BiggRigg
me likey sherry.
August 29, 2007

Phil G
Got into Sherry while visiting Seville – looking forward to pairing with some cheese…
August 29, 2007

E-Rock
I know at least 5.
August 29, 2007

Tim
An opportunity missed, Gary. Better luck next time.

In the meantime, you can check out the following for the real deal on Sherry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherry
http://catavino.net/2005/09/10/sherry-101-basics-of-this-noble-wine/

Cheers!
August 29, 2007

GrapeStuff
Thanks for the ep GV! Never had sherry, think it is time I give some the old Vayniac try. Keep ‘em comin’ GV, always enjoy the THUUUUUUUUNDER!

Yay – my Thundercat fell during the episode – got Lion-O “off” his butt.

QOTD: I know 2 Lurkers. And yes, I am trying to convert them to true Vayniacs!
August 29, 2007

E-Rock
Sooooooo…….. You finally did that Sherry show…….. wow… great…. thanks man you’re the best…….
August 29, 2007

Papamike
Have to admit Sherry isn’t really my thing but enjoyed the knowledge.
August 29, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, great episode and I agree with the opening rant. I spent last weekend in Toronto with my buddy from JR High, his wife. She told me that she really doesn’t like red wine. I had to pull out the thunder, we went tasting and I had her try several red wines from the Niagra area, at the end of the day she bought more red wines than I did. (I was seduced by that sugary, luscious, sweet, mouthwatering, fruity, flavor still in my mouth a week later icewine.) Anyway, I think I convinced her to change her pre concieved notions that all red wines are the same and to try new things.
QOTD at least one
August 29, 2007

wlburk
Great episode. I just bought a sherry yesterday and I am looking forward to trying it. Also looking forward to the second episode today! WOOHOOO!

QOTD: I know around 5 daily lurkers, and quite a few more on-and-off lurkers!
August 29, 2007

Marc
QOTD: 1
August 29, 2007

ecola
I know 7 confirmed lurkers. They don’t even like to admit they watch the show. They will come around.
August 29, 2007

J-Pipes
QOTD: I don’t know any lurkers.

Informative episode! I was lucky enough to attend a Spanish wine expo a few months ago through work, and I started at the sherry table because I knew nothing about it! The guy gave me great explanations and I tasted 4 very different styles of sherry. Eye opening!
August 29, 2007

antony
I went to Jerez once. It was the most laid back place, quite probably because everyone seemed to be drinking sherry all day… and night. Chilled fino was a big thing for many, although little old appeared to prefer big glasses of frothy beer at breakfast.
August 29, 2007

Grape Expectations
Two cents for today. (Running total for the week, six cents.)

Kudos on the rant. Too true and something we all need to guard against. And not just when we’re drinking wine.

Love a nice, dry sherry on the rocks with a twist as an aperitif. Good palate prepper before a nice meal.
August 29, 2007

Michelle
I tried a Sherry once, it was horrible. Why would I want to try another one?!
(jk)
Sherry is very interesting and intriguing. I’ve tried quite a few and they’ve all been very different but goooood.
QOTD: Aside from me (but today I’m not lurking), I know 2 others! *gasp*

Looking forward to tomorrow!
August 29, 2007

mas
Thanks Gary – all I know about Sherry is how to spell it – this was interesting – no idea that these wines were relatively inexpensive – I’ll have to learn more.

QOTD: 1 – maybe. Not sure how consistently they are watching.
August 29, 2007

John J.
QOTD: Except me until recently? No. I don’t know any.

I’m so excited about the BIG NEWS (???). I don’t have a clue what it could be. Maybe Gary bought a vineyard somewhere and is going into production? Who knows.. but I could cut the anticipation with a knife!
August 29, 2007

Terrance
Gary, way to slap some fools.

Like you, I’m also a lover of stinky, weird, new, funky, alien foods and wines. I can’t deal with people who, for example, try one dish of Japanese food and decide they don’t like all Japanese food. They eat something new and spit it out if they even sense something slightly unfamiliar. We are all different, but what’s wrong with keeping an open mind and giving things real chances? Life is too short to be hyper picky and to eat and drink the same things over and over again.
August 29, 2007

Doyle
i dont know about you gary but i HATE nuts in my mouth
August 29, 2007

jcbphd
I actually licked my shirt while watching this episode. I will do anything you say, GV!
August 29, 2007

Jon B.
Sherry wow. Not my favorite but I’ve not tried many either. I guess I can try afew more before I pass finale judgement.QOTD How many lurkers do I know, only 1 my sister and I’m working on her.
August 29, 2007

aktormedic
Dry sherry and tapas has to be one of the top combinations in the world. Umm…fried manchego and Fino….ummmmmm
August 29, 2007

shorthairedg
Stepping out of the lurker shadows, I would say 1 (myself).
August 29, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: I don’t know of any lurkers personally, unless the dozen or so I’ve told are watching, and haven’t told me.

Hey, it looks like you get TWO raven calls from me today. Lucky you.

Caw! Caw!
August 29, 2007

chenrys
Learned a lot about Sherry. Carl likes dry, I like sweet. There is so much more to it than that. We will have to try some more.

Sorry for not posting more this week. Itâ€™s been busy with curriculum nights and art meetings. We’re still catching up.

QOTD: Don’t know any who watch but us locally, although we do tell people about it.

Wish we didn’t live in a state that doesn’t allow wine to be shipped in – kind of feel left out of the simultaneous tastings.
August 29, 2007

laposte
YES! Sherry with cheese.
Perfect wine to explore with friends.
August 29, 2007

Mark
Hmmm…methinks I need to try a sherry or two. Dunno any lurkers other than me occasionally.
August 29, 2007

Melanie H.
I like nuts in my mouth……….umm…wait a sec…
August 29, 2007

NathanN
Never tasted sherry just cook with it. Next time I will have to take a snify snify and a taste
August 29, 2007

Ben N.
QOTD: 1
August 30, 2007

Lenny
GV, Take the Alvear cream sherry, pour it over ice and stick an orange slice in it, on a hot, humid day it is wonderful!
August 30, 2007

E
Hm. My dad brought me up on Tio Pepe, but it’s been awhile. Fortunately both it and Manchego can be had locally, which is nice.
August 30, 2007

msb2ncsu
QOTD: 0

There are a few people I know that are interested by the show but are not really into wine at this point (just in the “Hey, had a bottle of something last night when I went to dinner and it was pretty good” so they are just around the corner). My wife would lurk but she doesn’t even have time for that with her residency.. she relies on regular recaps by me.
August 30, 2007

J Crazy
QOTD: 87,993 and thank you Mr. Gary for making me calculate that. I’ll send you the bill.
August 30, 2007

Matt the Lurker
Lurkers who like sherry should definitely try deeznuts.

QOTD – 0.
August 30, 2007

TR
Mongo Say…Sherry make Cream of crab Soup and Lobster Thermidor taste DEE-LISH-IOUS.
GV’s Rant- Ahc-hem! I hate Australian wines. I loved them the 1st 27 times I tried them. Then I tried my 1st Bordeaux and have hated Aussie wines ever since. Both cheap and very pricey but always highly overated the last 193 times I tried them. They all seem to be so… well, fake, like high Fructose corn Syrup or trans fats, not real food. When forced to drink them for politeness sake I feel like chilling them down to 31 degrees and chugging them like ice cold beer.
There will be a 194th time and so on cause I’m a sucker and I’ll listen to guys like (you, Parker, Suckling etc..)(save me Michael Broadbent) who say “try this one it’s great”, or some well intentioned friend who presents me with one. I do very much enjoy Tuscan wines and I used to dislike Italian wines so who knows.
August 30, 2007

Chinon Rouge
Thanks WL for looking at these wines. I enjoy learning about more than the usual cabernet, syrah, etc. I would like to know if there are any Madeiras that should be on the radar screen.
August 30, 2007

sur lie
first!

……comment from a long time lurker (QOTD: 1 former)

surprised you didn’t mention that sherry was from the same region as brandy; also, that they are generally drunk with food of some kind (other than cheese) – changes the experience.

jerez actually smells of sherry/brandy…
August 30, 2007

Ferrigno
QOTD: huuummmmmm I used to think 0, but maybe 1/2….

Damm I hate alcoholic wines, even port… (not that I’ve had an older vintage ) sooooo damm, I don’t know, I mean, MAYBE I’ll give jerez a try… but seriously hmmmmm maybe if I have the extra bucks…. sooooo dissappointed at meself
August 30, 2007

Ferrigno
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHHA just saw the sherry’s post!!! don’t feel bad Gary, I know, SOOOOOOOO MANY people are just wating for you to make this kind of mistake, but please don’t feel bad I think it was WL fault as those wines are listed in the sherry category… Damm I feel I just made things worse HAVE A NICE DAY ON THE BIG ANOUNCEMENT, now let me watch today’s second thunder….
August 30, 2007

medo
Agree on the sherry side with you Gary. Like the sweeter style sherries alot! Had some amazing PX in Jerez in summer this year… The creams are great as well. Thx for bringing this to the table – looking for the “detailed” Sherry-Chees show!

QOTD: 1!
August 30, 2007

thabeav
Gary,

I’m a sucker for the high stockings too.

Fun show. Sherry is a great value. Feel free to nerd it up next time.
August 30, 2007

wildebeest
QOTD: I know three lurkers, but they’re not regular viewers.

Thanks for the education. This was a truly great episode. I can’t wait to try a sherry with some cheese!
August 30, 2007

GregO
That was a great show Gary. In my experience most people (and books) would just categorize those wines as Sherries so donâ€™t worry too much about the wine geek semantics. Does it make things a little murky?…maybe but it also helps simplify a style of wine that is so complex it probably turns people away from trying to understand them and give them a chance (see also German wine). All in all it was educational and you covered a lot of ground and probably convinced a number of people to give Sherry another try so good job.
August 30, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Totally agree with your rant Gary! I’ve had many different wines made from the same grape – sometimes they’re amazing, sometimes they stink! Don’t blame the grape! It’s not the grape’s fault! Give each grape multiple chances! Maybe you don’t like a grape – it happens. BUT TRY MORE THAN ONE! Couldnt agree with you more Gary!

I’ve had Sherry I hated, but if i have the chance i’ll try anything, so I have had one that was sweeter that I liked!

QOTD: I’m trying to convert 3 of my friends that have been lurking. … But are the Diggnation guys lurkers? The one says he watches, but does HE lurk?!?!

Good show Gary.
August 30, 2007

RieslingRon
Thanks Gary for getting the Sherry episode in. I can’t wait for the follow-on.

I’ve had Sherry over the years either as an aperitif or dessert wine, never thought of it with cheese. I’ve had several bottles of Tio Pepe, but still not sure I really like that style. At this point, Dry Sack seems to be my favorite for just sipping, etc. The dry Oloroso’s are a new avenue for me to try, as I’ve not had one.

QOTD: none
August 30, 2007

VinoVixen
Great show. I find the production of Sherry complex…with the solera and the classifications but I am learning. I actually enjoyed a Fino this past weekend with several tapas and I also have a Pedro Ximinez, which I like to pour over vanilla ice cream…. Cheers!
August 30, 2007

David
Nice episode, thanks, Gary. I’ve only had a couple of sherrys, the sweet kind, and didn’t like them at all, but I’ll have to try the drier sherrys like the ones you tasted today.

QOTD: I know 2 or 3, will try to convince them to come out.
August 30, 2007

NADINE
Hey Gary,

I really liked this show as Sherry is a drink I have discovered in Spain a couple of years back. I tasted a couple but am not as comfortable as with wine but since I am a fan of rum and I like to try new products, Sherry appeals to me . Sherry is quite popular in England also. I couldn’t tell which ones I have tasted as it’s been a while now, but I do like to enjoy them either at a beginning of a evening – digestive – or with desert and with cheese or just alone, all depending of the circumstances so if you do do another show on Sherry, it be nice as I am open to educate myself a bit more on them through your expertise on wine library tv of course. So, thumbs up to this show !
August 30, 2007

GrapeStuff
DO I LIKE NUTS IN MY MOUTH??!?!?!?
August 30, 2007

MetalDave
QOTD: 2

Looking forward to tomorrow. Nervous… You’ve got us all on tenderhooks, Gary!
August 30, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: 2, and I introduced both, and they STILL LURK! Come on, guys- you know who you are…
August 30, 2007

jason carey
you are awesome for tasting the sherry’s, but you did taste at the absolout bottom of the price scale,, try a 30 dollar amontillado..or even some 20 dollar lustau ect,,
also Alevar is not sherry , its Montilla Morillies.
not trying to be snarky ..
August 30, 2007

Karl Laczko
Excellent rant, you should join in on the forums some time! QOTD – no, don’t know any lurkers, although I’m trying to create a couple.

I see you messed up a little on Jerez, grapes, classifications and whether Alvear is even a Sherry, but you did say you weren’t an expert, so OK.

I’m currently sipping a fine Lustau Oloroso, very dry, really dark and you nailed that “industrial smell” description. Definately not sweet, bitter and herby. Yum! (Don’t like the sweet Sherry, go Madeira or Marsala for that).
August 30, 2007

Jeff Cleveland
QOTD: None…I only know a couple people that watch and I see there comments. I would like to find a way to get in touch with people that make comments. 1855class says he lives in Milwaukee…I live in Milwaukee…it would be fun to be able to hook up with him but I can’t figure out how.
August 30, 2007

sharon
Yeah my husband and sister are both LURKY and refuse to be shamed into commenting. So I do all the talking. I guess I’ll give sherry a try (sigh).
The alcohol content turns me off, though.
August 30, 2007

Matt T.
I agree whole-heartedly with the rant.

This was an interesting episode about something I didn’t know much about. I guess I’d been led to believe that fortified wines were in some way a lower class, and generally unpleasant. I guess all of us with stereotypes need to occasionally reexamine them.
August 30, 2007

Chris
Great rant, why not wine, if we say to give peas a chance.

On the solera, when you splain it, where does the fortification of the wine come in the process? Is it part of the initial blend or do they wait til sometime later? Is it different depending on the wine, sherry/madiera/port/marsala/etc. Finally, there are some wines out there that advertise using a solera process that blends every vintage of reserve cabernet they have ever produced. It is big bucks, is it worth it?

QOTD – maybe one or two
August 30, 2007

Shad
Watching this in reverse from the Big Announcement show because, well, I just got busy yesterday. Any how, I liked the episode. Anytime I can learn something new about wine is a good day.
August 30, 2007

Shane
I know one lurker, but I am trying to get better.
August 30, 2007

PlonkDumper
Wild. Leaving a comment so I can slowly pull myself from murky lurker status.
All about the Albarino! Not sure about animal wines though; assuming it is somewhat tongue in cheek Gary?
August 31, 2007

Franky
Sherry? Not for me. You don’t like them too, Gary?
August 31, 2007

mcj
QOTD: 0
August 31, 2007

Greite
Missed this episode when it posted, but I got a chance to catch up today.
Never been a huge sherry fan, but you presented some interesting facts and made it sound rather appealing. I think I’ll have to give it another go.

Thanks, Gary.
August 31, 2007

Nick L
Lurker CKC coming out for the first time on this, of all, episodes.

Sort of loosely related to the topic of sherry: I’d love to see some Pineau des Charentes make an appearance on WLTV. One of my favorite ways to drink up at desert.

Thanks.
August 31, 2007

BobMac
QOTD: I knew a lurker once, and it was me.

Thanks for doing a show on sherry. I’ve always been interested in them, but I’ve never actually tried them. I put all four in my cart, so I’ll be drinking them soon.
September 2, 2007

Elliot Essman
Wonderful episode. Please, more on sherries in the future, particularly Amontillado. What do you get for $20?
September 2, 2007

chenin
There are great Sherrys out there, keep on trying.
Maybe they’re not all 8$ though…
Great as an aperitif, chilled.

I don’t know any lurkers, except maybe my gf, who
really hates your show, I am sorry to say. Oh well.
September 2, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Ha! I commented on 306 before watching this one. I guess my Dolcetto comment didn’t make you so happy after all. WLTV has definitely changed my attitude towards wines, and in this case reminded me about Dolcetto.

What really shifted my mindset was doing a day of tasting rooms in Sonoma. Tasting so many wines back to back really opened my eyes to the fact that you can’t make any generalizations about wine. People should try to find events where they can taste a variety of thing all at once, it is really great for opening your mind to different wines.
September 4, 2007

MannyPants
Wow, very entertaining. I almost fell out of my chair when you started talking about nuts in your mouth. Not a big sherry fan but I’ll have to give it another try.
September 4, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: Not many……dude…..nutz in your mouth? That killed me
September 4, 2007

Derek
Interesting episode Gary, never really got into sherry, but I am now thinking about it.
September 4, 2007

Kristen
Yeah, I have to say that “nuts in your mouth” really left us infantile viewers chuckling with good humor. I’m glad that you gave the overview of some of the aspects of sherry making (which is something I know naught about). Definitely one the list of things to try (checked off Dolcetto from that list and quite pleased with it). So who knows, maybe sherry could be my next biggest thing?

QOTD: 0
October 6, 2007

Bill Rennie
Gary … Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. For a number of family reasons, I haven’t checked your web site out for 6 weeks or so. I was very pleased to see the “Sherry episode” as Sherry wines are one of my many passions. To all of you who are interested in Sherry, as Gary stated in this episode, out of necessity he has abbreviated somewhat the Sherry/Jerez story. In fact 2 of the wines discussed – the Alvear Fino and the Alvear Cream are not really Sherry as they are from the Montilla-Morales region of Spain which is just north of Jerez. They employ very similar wine making techniques in their Bodegas, however one of the interesting differences is the basic grape is generally Pedro Ximenez, not Palimino. The PX grape is naturally fermented to an alcoholic content of around 15% alc. where the flor film of yeast will develop. In Jerez it is necessary to add raw brandy spirits to fortify the base wine to this level. As Gary said the Jerez or Sherry making business is complex. The key thing to really remember is that Jerez is really just a geographic designation, not a wine style, much like Bordeaux where wine may be red, white or dessert. The other thing to remember as Gary say’s Sherry (and Sherry style wines such as Alvear’s) are distinctive and of great value. Enjoyment and appreciation of these wines will take some time, (not unlike the appreciation for single malt whisky), but once understood are a pleasure to enjoy. Gary’s comment that Sherry goes well with cheese is bang on, particularly salty cheeses. Sherry also goes very well with salty foods such as nuts, olives and ham. And fino sherry is one of my favourite wines with Chinese food. Great episode … Bill … Calgary, Canada
January 19, 2008

Chris
Why does it always sound like you’re sitting in the middle of a wild bird preserve? There’s always birds chirping in the backround.
February 16, 2008

Fangorn81
Yeah what is with all the birds?
February 25, 2008

bigmay
I absolutely love the fortified wines but I’ve never had a dry sherry so that’s on the list of things to pick up. When are you going to get to an episode on the Solera process? It’s fascinating. Maybe you could mix in a Madeira or two?

QOTD: I know at least 2 lurkers, possibly 3. I’m not really sure how often the third watches. I’m trying to get them to comment … really, I am.
April 22, 2008

Omallley
Great episode Gary – I would love to see another one on Sherry (and I have to say, that I am a big fan of the Alvear’s…good stuff, tangy, delicious and under 20 Canadian bones )
May 22, 2008

JustinJerez
Just clocked this recently. Enjoyed the rant and pleased to see sherry getting a plug. Just watch the facts tho, Alvear is from Montilla (it’s not a sherry), and there’s not usually any Moscatel in Oloroso…
August 9, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Great episode!! I didnt know anything about sherry except that it was a fortified wine and therefore I thought all sherrys were dessert wines. Thanks for clearing that up and its def. a wine I have been looking into and now I absoultely will pick one up. QOTD: None, which is a good thing.
November 4, 2008

ed
ALVEAR IS NOT SHERRY!!…is MONTILLA (ok, it is almost the same but is NOT). Fino in Sherry (Jerez) is made with Palomino, in Montilla (Cordoba), is made with Pedro Ximenez.
June 29, 2009

Adrian aka AnGkEr
Good intro on the episode and beautiful rant…it makes lots of sense…..

To me sherry is like for old ladies….lol hmm….maybe I should give it a try..ya why not….
September 5, 2009

Abouna
Great show! I’d love for you to taste a Commandaria and compare it to a sweet ambra Marsala and a Cream Sherry. Perhaps you could also taste a Mavrodaphne and compare it to a ruby Porto and a Marsala or Madeira. Commandaria and Mavrodaphne are high quality Greek dessert wines that are also used as sacramental wines in the Greek Orthodox Church. Commandaria may be the oldest wine in continuous production, dating perhaps to Homeric times.