Drinks of the Month

Aldi Exquisite Collection Fino Sherry
If you’re a fino fan you’ll love this classic super-dry, tangy sherry - one of three incredibly well-priced sherries Aldi has released in its Exquisite Collection range at just £5.99 for 50cl. (The others are an amontillado and a cream sherry - both good too but slightly sweeter than the classic Spanish style)
Apparently they’re a seasonal line so won’t be a permanent fixture* although I guess they’re just putting a toe in the water to see how they’ll go. Majestic interestingly has been reporting a big increase in sherry sales this year.
The advantage of the fino being a limited edition is that it is still super-fresh - and should be kept so. Pop it into the fridge and drink it up within the week - which shouldn’t be hard! And pair it with some good iberico ham.
For more fino sherry pairing suggestions see
The best pairings for fino and manzanilla sherry

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* they also don't seem to be available online

Fresquito Vino Nuevo de Tinaja
If you want proof of how adventurous a wine retailer Marks & Spencer has become you only have to try this unusual Spanish white made from Pedro Ximenez, which is more usually used to make a sweet syrupy style of sherry.
This is altogether a different animal - pretty well bone dry and nutty with a touch of fino sherry about it it though it actually comes not from Jerez but the neighbouring denomination of Montilla-Moriles. The word Tinaja refers to the traditional earthenware jars in which the wine is aged (also pictured on the label) which accounts for the slightly oxidative - for which read deliciously nutty/almondy - style
Although I personally love it I’m aware it won’t be to everyone’s taste* but it would be a great wine to drink with tapas - as they also point out on the label - especially jamon iberico and (I reckon) olives and anchovies. Normaly £9 a bottle, it’s currently on promotion at £7 which is a steal.
* if you like fresher, fruitier whites like sauvignon blanc, for example
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