Sherry and Food Pairings: What Pairs Best with Sherry Wine

Well-curated drink and food pairings are crucial for the success of any restaurant. When the dishes you serve go with different drinks from your beverage menu, people will enjoy dining at your restaurant much more. And customer satisfaction can help tremendously when you want to maximize profit. That’s why, after covering the topics of what is sherry wine, the types of sherry wine, and the sherry cocktails you can create, it’s time to talk about sherry and food pairings.

Sherry wine is not that commonly seen on restaurant wine lists or general beverage menus. Although it’s not a new type of alcohol, different varieties of wine have become more popular in recent years. However, this doesn’t mean you should skip sherry wine entirely! It’s still a good drink to enjoy with friends while fine or casual dining.

To give you a better understanding of why sherry wine is a great addition to a wine list or drinks menu, we have curated a list of meals it pairs perfectly with. Check out these sherry and food pairings and see if it would make sense for you to add sherry to your beverage inventory!

Sherry and Food Pairings to Create at Your Restaurant

To create a memorable dining experience at your restaurant, you should pair the right types of food and drinks. If you are wondering what sherry and food pairings you can create, we are here to help you! Let’s see some of the best dishes to serve alongside sherry wine.

Key Takeaway: Sherry and food pairings are not that popular in recent years but they are incredible and deserve attention. If you want to set your restaurant apart from the competition, you should consider recreating a few of these pairings and see how much your customers will love them!

1. Fino or Manzanilla Sherry

These two types of sherry are among the most popular ones. They are a great drink to enjoy with seafood dishes and light tapas. Fino and Manzanilla will balance out the flavors of the tapas and the seafood, creating a unique experience for all the foodies out there and the people who want to enjoy a good evening with friends.

Here are more specific sherry and food pairings you can make with Fino or Manzanilla:

Oysters or Clams - The briny, fresh flavor of oysters pairs beautifully with the saline, crisp nature of Fino or Manzanilla. These are also very desired types of seafood. If they are fresh and served well, people will be coming back for more!
Gazpacho - The light, refreshing characteristics of these sherries complement the vibrant, acidic nature of this cold soup. So if you serve Spanish cuisine at your restaurant, make sure you waiters suggest sherry wine to customers, too.
Grilled Sardines - The delicate flavors of grilled sardines match well with the dry, slightly tangy profile of Fino or Manzanilla.
Tapas - As for the tapas you can serve with these types of sherry, you should choose pimientos de padrón, olives, garlic shrimp, anchovies, Manchego cheese, and almonds. You can create charcuterie boards to pair with the different wines you serve at your restaurant, including sherry.

2. Amontillado Sherry

Amontillado sherry is the type of wine that pairs well with rich and nutty dishes. With it, you can make some of the best sherry and food pairings, so don’t forget to add it to your beverage inventory. Here are all the meals you can serve and pair with Amontillado sherry:

Mushroom Risotto - The earthy flavors of mushrooms are enhanced by the nutty, complex character of Amontillado. It’s a perfect pair!
Jamón Ibérico - The savory, slightly sweet flavors of cured Spanish ham are a classic pairing with the nuanced depth of this type of sherry wine.
Roasted Chicken with Herbs - The herbal, savory notes of roasted chicken pair well with the richness and subtle spice of Amontillado.

3. Oloroso Sherry

This type of sherry is the perfect one to pair with hearty and savory dishes. This makes it perfect to pair with many different dishes from various cuisines. Here are our top three suggestions for dishes to pair with Oloroso sherry:

Braised Short Ribs - The deep, rich flavors of Oloroso complement the slow-cooked, tender meat. Many people love ribs and may have never tried this great combination, so suggest sherry next time someone orders ribs at your restaurant.
Lamb Stew - The robust, savory elements of a lamb stew pair well with the bold, complex flavors of Oloroso.
Aged Cheeses - Hard, aged cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan go beautifully with the intense, nutty, and caramel notes of this sherry wine. If you serve cheese boards or charcuterie at your restaurant, don’t forget to recommend the Oloroso sherry!

4. Palo Cortado Sherry

Looking for a sherry wine that will pair well with game-day foods and exotic dishes? Palo Cortado is what you are looking for! This sherry wine goes perfectly with simple foods, as well as more unique dishes. They include:

Duck Breast with Orange Glaze - The slight sweetness and complexity of Palo Cortado balance the rich flavor of the duck.
Venison with Dark Fruit Sauce - The bold, savory notes of venison are complemented by the deep, nuanced flavor of this type of sherry.
Foie Gras - The rich, buttery texture of foie gras pairs exquisitely with the dry yet rich profile of Palo Cortado. Yummy!

5. Pedro Ximénez Sherry

Can’t have a sherry and food pairings list without mentioning desserts! This particular type of sherry goes well with different sweet dishes. We have selected our top three to share with you but you can pair it with so many more!

Chocolate Tart - The intense, syrupy sweetness of Pedro Ximénez sherry matches well with the rich, bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate. The combination is finger-liking good!
Blue Cheese with Figs - The strong, pungent flavors of blue cheese are balanced by the raisin-like sweetness of the sherry. The figs add an extra layer of sweetness, making this combination phenomenal!
Bread Pudding - The spiced notes of bread pudding pair perfectly with the caramelized, date-like flavors of PX sherry. It’s a great sherry and dessert combination that deserves attention.

All of these pairings can enhance the menu of your restaurant and provide a unique and sophisticated dining experience. Sherry and food pairings are not that common lately, which is why you can use them to your advantage and make your restaurant different than the rest in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sherry and Food Pairings

There are many frequently asked questions about sherry and food pairings. We decided to answer a few of them to give you more in-depth information on this topic. See the questions and answers below!

Are There Vegetarian Dishes That Pair Well with Sherry?

Absolutely! Vegetarian dishes can be paired with various types of sherry. For example, Fino and Manzanilla pair nicely with light, vegetable-based tapas like grilled asparagus or artichokes. Amontillado is great with roasted vegetables and mushroom dishes, while Oloroso complements richer vegetarian options like eggplant parmesan or lentil stew.

What Is the Best Way to Serve Sherry with Food?

Sherry is typically served chilled, especially Fino and Manzanilla, which are best when served very cold (around 45°F or 7°C). Amontillado and Oloroso can be served slightly warmer, around 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 15°C). Serving sherry at the correct temperature enhances its flavors and ensures it complements the food perfectly.

Can Sherry Be Used in Cooking and How?

Yes, sherry is commonly used in cooking to add depth and complexity to dishes. Fino and Manzanilla are often used in light sauces and soups, while Amontillado and Oloroso are great for deglazing pans, enriching sauces, or adding to stews. Sweet sherries like PX can be used in desserts, glazes, or to add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes.