Afternoon tea is a widely celebrated tradition that features an assortment of refined finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a selection of beverages. While tea remains the customary choice, the inclusion of alcoholic accompaniments may further enhance the overall experience. Sherry, notably, has historically been served as a distinguished aperitif enjoyed prior to afternoon tea. Cream sherry is frequently regarded as the preferred option for pairing with afternoon tea, contingent upon the accompanying foods and individual tastes.
Cream sherry offers a rich and sweet palate, marked by notes of dried fruits and nuts. Its profile aligns particularly well with the sweet pastries and desserts often presented during afternoon tea. It complements scones, cakes, and biscuits and also accentuates the flavors of savory items, such as cheese or smoked salmon sandwiches.
Sherry should be enjoyed at or slightly below room temperature, as the warmth accentuates the viscous, sweet characteristics without diminishing the complexity
Much like tea, sherry presents unique characteristics that deserve the perfect vessel to enhance the drinking experience. The traditional glass, a staple for sherry enthusiasts, is designed with a specific shape and size that serve critical functions in the sensory appreciation of the wine. This glass is smaller than a typical wine glass and is perfectly suited to the higher alcohol content and intense flavors of sherry, allowing for moderate, enjoyable sips without overwhelming the palate.
The storage of sherry is the same as tea:
- Keep it in a cool, dark place. Exposure to heat and light can accelerate the degradation of flavors.
- Always reseal the bottle with its original cork or a wine stopper. This practice helps minimize oxidation and preserves the wine’s characteristics.
Choosing the right glass for sherry enhances not only the taste but the entire experience of enjoying this versatile and storied wine. No matter what type of sherry you’re sipping, the perfect glass brings out the best in each style, making every occasion to enjoy sherry a memorable one.
These are the traditional styles of glasses that we use when offering sherry with our afternoon teas.
We are divesting ourselves of our large collection of drinkware and have both these styles available for purchase on our website here.