Sherryweek 2020 : Gonzalez Byass Alfonso

Oloroso is probably one of the best known types of sherry. The casks which contained oloroso are very popular for whisky aging. Today we are mixing up a tasty cocktail with Alfonso, the ‘standard’ oloroso in the Gonzalez Byass range. 

Alfonso is made from 100% Palomino grapes, aged 8 years in American oak casks, following the traditional Solera-system. Most of the wine used for Alfonso comes from the second pressing of the grapes, so it has slightly more structure and body. The juice from the first press is always used for Tio Pepe Fino sherry. Following fermentation to between 11 and 12% alcohol, the wine is fortified to 18% alcohol. An empty space of 100 liter is left for the wine to interact with the oxygen. Oloroso is never under a flor, it ages with oxidation. The nose gets more hazelnuts and walnuts. As a result of the long aging there are subtle aromas of oak and spiced notes such as truffle and leather. Very flavourful sherry. 

Alfonso should be served in a white wine glass and paired with red meat and traditional stews. It’s a dry wine which combines very well with gelatinous meats such as oxtail and pork cheeks. 

I’ve chosen a simplified recipe for a known cocktail, paired with homemade deep fried crispy balls filled with a delicious paste of slow cooked beef. The recipe of the crispy balls can be found on my wife’s foodblog Tineke’s Cucina. 

Easy Apero? Oloroso Sherry mixes very well with Ginger Beer or Ginger-Ale.

Escape from Alcatraz

Ingredients
50 ml Tequila Silver
22,5 ml Alfonso Sherry (Oloroso)
15 ml Suze (Bitter)
1 barspoon of Agave syrup
2 dashes of Angostura Cocoa Bitters

Method
Stir all ingredients together in a mixing glass with lots of ice. Stir for at least 20 seconds, the syrup needs some work to blend. Strain into a large cognac glass. No ice or garnish needed. Serve with a few of those crispy balls and a bit of sharp mustard. 

Disclaimer : All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Management & Communications unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.