Style
Medium Sherry
Sweet sherry based on Amontillado with added PX or Moscatel. Sugar 5-115 g/l. Split into Medium Dry and Medium Sweet (boundary at 50 g/l).
What it is
Medium Sherry is a blended sherry within the Generosos de Licor category. Sugar between 5 and 115 grams per litre. Blended by combining Amontillado (or another oxidatively-aged generoso) with naturally sweet wine (Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel) or concentrated grape must.
Two subcategories
Since the 2021 reform:
- Medium Dry: 5 to 50 grams sugar per litre (previously 5 to 45)
- Medium Sweet: 50 to 115 grams per litre (previously 45 to 115)
The label “Medium” without further qualification can mean either. The label usually states which: Medium, Medium Dry, or Medium Sweet.
Distinction from Cream
Medium and Cream look superficially similar. Differences:
- Base: Medium uses Amontillado (lighter, restrained oxidative); Cream uses Oloroso (dark, full oxidative).
- Sweetness: Medium Sweet stops at 115 g/l; Cream starts there and runs to 140.
- Colour: Medium amber to dark chestnut; Cream dark amber to nearly brown.
- Palate: Medium retains more of the aromatic complexity of the Amontillado base (nut, herb, dried fruit); Cream is more raisin/caramel/walnut.
In the glass
Amber. Aromatics of toast, hazelnut, candied orange peel, dried apricot, light spice. On the palate, sweetness in balance with the structure and gentle bitterness of the Amontillado base. Lighter than Cream, fuller than Pale Cream.
Famous examples
- Williams & Humbert Dry Sack (since 1906): the canonical Medium Sherry, lightly sweet, Amontillado base with PX
- González Byass Apostoles (technically a Palo Cortado VOS but with dosage)
- Lustau Almacenista Medium
- Various oloroso abocado expressions
When
With hearty soups (ajiaco, French onion), game fowl, pâté, mild game dishes with sweet sauce. With blue cheese. Serve at around 10-11 degrees Celsius, slightly cooler than Cream but warmer than Pale Cream.