What is the difference between dry white wine and sherry?

Dry white wine and sherry are both alcoholic beverages made from grapes, but there are several key differences between the two.

1. Production method:

* Dry white wine is made by fermenting grape juice without the skins, which results in a light-colored wine with a crisp, acidic taste. The fermentation process is stopped before all the sugar in the grape juice is converted to alcohol, leaving a residual sugar content of less than 4 grams per liter.

*Sherry is made by fermenting grape juice with the skins, which gives the wine a darker color and a more complex flavor profile. The fermentation process is allowed to continue until all the sugar in the grape juice is converted to alcohol, resulting in a residual sugar content of less than 2 grams per liter.

2. Aging:

* Dry white wine is typically aged in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels for a short period of time, ranging from a few months to a couple of years.

*Sherry is aged in a unique system called the solera system, which involves stacking barrels of sherry at different stages of aging. The youngest wine is added to the top of the stack, and as it ages, it is gradually moved down the stack until it reaches the bottom, where it is bottled. This process can take several years or even decades.

3. Flavor profile:

* Dry white wine has a light, crisp, and acidic flavor profile, with notes of citrus, apple, and pear.

*Sherry has a more complex and varied flavor profile, depending on the type of grape used, the aging process, and the addition of other ingredients such as fortified wine or brandy. Some sherries are dry, while others are sweet or medium-sweet. They can have flavors of nuts, dried fruit, caramel, and spice.

4. Alcohol content:

* Dry white wine typically has an alcohol content between 10% and 13% by volume (ABV).

*Sherry has a higher alcohol content, ranging from 15% to 20% ABV.

5. Food pairing:

* Dry white wine is a versatile wine that can be paired with a wide variety of foods, including seafood, poultry, pork, and light pasta dishes.

*Sherry is also a versatile wine, but it is often paired with tapas, Spanish cuisine, and desserts.

In summary, dry white wine and sherry are both delicious and enjoyable beverages, but they have distinct differences in their production methods, aging, flavor profiles, alcohol content, and food pairing capabilities.