THE TREND INGREDIENT
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT
Sherry is a fortified wine, aged in wooden barrels. Oloroso is darker and stronger than most sherries and has been oxidatively aged – some air is let into the barrels – developing complex, nutty flavours. Look out for dry versions, which tend to be more sophisticated than their sweeter counterparts. Dry oloroso has a slightly sweet aroma, so its dry taste comes as a surprise but makes it mouthwatering to cook with. The warm fragrance hits you a mile away, and its flavour gives savoury depth to shellfish, meat and vegetable dishes.
Because it’s fortified (meaning it’s had alcohol added, in this case grape spirit), sherry keeps longer than wine once opened. It doesn’t stay fresh indefinitely, though. Store it in the fridge and use it within a month (for drinking) or two for cooking. It makes a great pre-dinner tipple.
PHOTOGRAPHS: ALEX LUCK. STYLING: OLIVIA WARDLE