This week, November 4th - November 10th, is International Sherry Week. And González Byass is leading the way.

González Byass was created in 1835 by Manuel Maria González and remains in family hands today, now in the fifth and sixth generation.  Founded in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, in the heart of Sherry country, it is dedicated to the production of high quality sherries.

Here are four excellent Sherries from González Byass:

• Nectar Pedro Ximénez (375ml) $16.99 - Produced from 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes. This sherry is dessert in a glass! It is dark brown in color with aromas of molasses and brown sugar. On the palate it has rich flavors of raisins, figs and dates with syrupy sweetness. Paired best with the Egg Yolk Turrón.

• Harveys Bristol Cream (375ml) $8.99 - Originally founded in Bristol England in 1796, it is now produced in Jerez, the home of sherry. Harveys is a light golden color with it distinctive nose from its blend of Oloroso, PX, Fino and Amonitillado that is aged for 7 years. It is mahogany in color with nice aromatics and flavors of raisins and caramel. Paired best with the Almond Nougat Turrón.

• Viña AB Amontillado (375ml) $16.99 - Made from Palomino grapes that are fermented, then fortified before entering the Solera. Light amber in color, this Sherry is delicate with subtle note of oak from its 12 years in cask. Paired best with the Hard Almond Turrón.

• Leonor Palo Cortado (375ml) $16.99 - Produced only from the “mosto yema” or the ‘free run’ juice, it is fermented and fortified prior to entering the Solera where it undergoes complete oxidation. It spends 12 years in American Oak casks. It is medium amber in color with a delicate nose. On the palate is has intense toasted notes and is sliky smooth. Paired best with the Soft Almond Turrón.

For those unfamiliar with Turrón, pastry chefs in the south of Spain have been making it for at least a thousand years. This famous confection is typically made of honey, nuts and usually egg whites. Many families keep a box of Turróns on hand for holiday parties or impromptu holiday gatherings - which is a great time to indulge with that perfect bottle of Sherry.

These four Sherries from Gonzalez Byass are a great fit as International Sherry Week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Gonzalez Byass