How Long Does Sherry Last?

Fortified Wines, Sherry, Spain, Spirits 101

Travel Distilled answers the question of how long sherry lasts, whether it’s opened or unopened and whether it’s fino, amontillado or other type of sherry.

Sherry is a fortified wine that can last for a long time if stored properly. Unopened bottles of sherry can last for several years, even decades, if stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and fluctuations in temperature. Once opened, sherry can last for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type and how it is stored. It is best to consume opened sherry within a month or two to enjoy its optimal flavor and quality.

Sherry comes in various styles, each with its own characteristics and aging potential. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of sherry and how long they typically last:

Fino and Manzanilla: These are the lightest and driest styles of sherry, aged under a layer of yeast known as “flor”. This flor protects the wine from oxidation, giving it a fresh, tangy character with flavors of almond and green apple. Fino and Manzanilla are typically served chilled and are excellent as an aperitif or with seafood. Due to their delicate nature, they should ideally be consumed within a few days to a week of opening, much like a regular white wine. After this time, they can start to lose their freshness and vibrancy. Unopened bottles can last for up to a year, but they are best enjoyed as fresh as possible.

Amontillado: Amontillado is a unique style of sherry that starts its life as a Fino or Manzanilla, aging under flor. However, at some point, the flor dies off or is deliberately killed, exposing the wine to oxygen. This results in a sherry that combines the fresh, tangy character of Fino with the richer, nuttier flavors of oxidative aging. Amontillado sherries can range from dry to medium-sweet and are versatile food wines. Once opened, they can last for a few weeks to a couple of months if stored in the refrigerator with a tightly sealed stopper. Unopened bottles can last for several years.

Different types of Osborne sherries — Different Types of Osborne Sherries

Oloroso: Oloroso is a full-bodied, oxidative style of sherry, aged without the protection of flor. This exposure to oxygen results in a darker, richer wine with intense flavors of nuts, dried fruits, and spices. Oloroso sherries can be dry or sweet, depending on whether or not they have been sweetened with Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel wine. Due to their oxidative aging, Oloroso sherries are quite stable and can last for several months to a year after opening if stored in a cool, dark place. Unopened bottles can last for many years, and some may even improve with age.

Palo Cortado: Palo Cortado is a rare and complex style of sherry that begins its aging under flor, like a Fino or Manzanilla, but then unexpectedly loses the flor and starts to age oxidatively, like an Oloroso. The result is a wine that combines the fresh, tangy character of Fino with the depth and complexity of Oloroso. Palo Cortado sherries are typically dry and can have a wide range of flavors, from citrus and nuts to caramel and spice. They can last for several months to a year after opening, similar to Oloroso, and unopened bottles can age for many years.

Osborne Sherry Bull Silhouette — The Osborne Sherry Bull

Cream and Pedro Ximénez (PX): Cream and PX sherries are the sweetest styles of sherry, made from partially fermented grape juice or concentrated grape must. Cream sherry is typically a blend of Oloroso and PX, resulting in a rich, sweet wine with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. PX sherry is made from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes, resulting in an intensely sweet, syrupy wine with flavors of figs, dates, and molasses. Both Cream and PX sherries have a high sugar content, which acts as a natural preservative, allowing them to last for several months to a year after opening if stored in a cool place with a tightly sealed stopper. Unopened bottles can last for many years, and some PX sherries can even improve with age.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the shelf life of sherry can vary depending on factors such as storage conditions, the quality of the wine, and personal preference. To ensure the best quality and flavor, it’s recommended to consume sherry within a reasonable time frame after opening.