Which grape variety constitutes over 90% of the production of sherry?

Which grape variety constitutes over 90% of the production of sherry?

• A. Pedro Ximenez
• B. Airen
• C. Moscatel
• D. Palomino

Answer: (D)

Palomino is the grape that dominates sherry production. It accounts for over 90% of the grapes used in the Jerez region because its neutral flavor and high acidity respond best to the aging methods that define most sherries, including the development of the flor and the long oxidative maturation. This grape’s light color and flavor profile provide a versatile, backbone texture for styles like Fino and Amontillado, as well as the oxidative aging that can lead to other sherry types. The other varieties—Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel—are used mainly for sweeter, dessert-style sherries in much smaller volumes, while Airén is not a sherry grape at all. So the vast majority of sherry comes from Palomino, especially Palomino Fino.

Palomino is the grape that dominates sherry production. It accounts for over 90% of the grapes used in the Jerez region because its neutral flavor and high acidity respond best to the aging methods that define most sherries, including the development of the flor and the long oxidative maturation. This grape’s light color and flavor profile provide a versatile, backbone texture for styles like Fino and Amontillado, as well as the oxidative aging that can lead to other sherry types. The other varieties—Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel—are used mainly for sweeter, dessert-style sherries in much smaller volumes, while Airén is not a sherry grape at all. So the vast majority of sherry comes from Palomino, especially Palomino Fino.