Thursday 30th September - 2010 A taste of Jerez, in West Didsbury

Thursday 30th September - 2010 A taste of Jerez, in West Didsbury

Come on, we've all done it. In a previous life we've scorned Sherry because it's 'uncool', because your Nan drinks it and because it looks naff on the shelves in the supermarket. And whilst at least those last two are certainly true, it doesn't mean that with a bit of experimentation, the lid on Sherry as not just an aperitif but as a brilliant full-time food wine, cannot be lifted and left revealed to anyone brave enough to swap Bristol Cream for Pedro Ximenez.

As one of our masterful arts of persuasion, we decided to put on a tasting with Pinchjo's Tapas Bar and restaurant, another staple of modern Didsbury life, and in association with the Sherry Institute of Spain. Combine these with ourselves at Reserve and you've got three businesses clearly very interested in dispelling Sherry myths and putting Sherry in a new and more fashionable light.

Interest for the tasting was phenomenal. I mean it was really crazy - we sold out in less than a day, and even had to fit some Sherry lovers in at the bar, true Spanish style, which is where I was squeezed, hiding from the cameraman, after I'd locked up the shop and sauntered over for some honest-to-god beautiful food and some great Sherries. The menu meandered between cured meats and cheeses (freshened up by some Manzanilla), asparagus and tomatoes (accompanied by a young, vigorous Amontillado), sea bream on a bed of spinach (complemented by a richer, older Amontillado) and spicy, roast chilli-chicken washed down with a rich, toasty and nut-filled Oloroso. All of which begun with an Aperitif of the Gods, Fino, of course; and finished with a majestic 15 year-old Pedro-Ximenez, dark and sweet, like a bonfire-toffee, Christmas cake & honey elixir.

Our guests, as you might have guessed, didn't need too much more convincing as to the versatility and variety in Sherry. The only question remains, after Austria and Xerez, which uncool region is Reserve going to conquer next? May no stone lay unturned in our quest to satisfy every palate in the NorthWest.

The Sherries were all by the producer Valdivia and are available in our shop. Prices are as follows:

Fino Seco 50cl - £8.99

Manzanilla Seca 'La Rubia' 50cl - £8.99

Amontillado Seco 'Dorius' 75cl - £16.50

'Sacromonte' Amontillado Seco 50cl - £17.99

'Sacromonte' Oloroso Seco 50cl - £17.99

'Sacromonte' Pedro Ximenez Dulce 50cl - £19.99

Please call 0161 438 0101 or email sales@reservewines.co.uk to make an order.

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