Christmas comes but once a year, with its own special blend of tradition and modernity; where family, friends and good gastronomy are all inextricably connected. In this warm, welcoming, seasonal atmosphere, Sherry, with its rich history and versatility, plays an important role. From Christmas zambomba parties to the final festive toast, this wine offers a multitude of options to enrich each moment of every occasion. In this article we explain how to enjoy Sherry in a number of settings: paired with appetizers or starters; at festive dinners; in innovative cocktails; and enhancing treasured Christmas moments.
Christmas zambombas: Sherry as the star of the festivities
What are Christmas zambombas? Tradition and meaning
Christmas zambombas are a deep-rooted tradition in Andalusia, especially in Jerez de la Frontera, home of Sherry, where they came about as a way of celebrating Christmas as a community. Zambombas are festive gatherings where friends and family come together to sing villancicos (Christmas carols) to the sound of traditional instruments, including the zambomba, a kind of drum, from which the celebration takes its name. These festivities are held in the city’s courtyards, streets and squares, creating a unique atmosphere of collective celebration.
Origin and history of the zambomba in Andalusia
The zambomba has its roots in the 18th century, as a popular custom among Jerez families. Over time, the celebration spread, today forming part of Andalusia's cultural heritage. These parties are not only a tribute to music and Christmas, but also to Sherry wine, which has always played an essential part in zambombas.
How zambombas are celebrated today
Today, zambombas are held in bars, bodegas and flamenco clubs, where the Sherry flows as music and dance enhance the lively atmosphere. From a refreshing and appetising fino to a sweet Pedro Ximénez, every glass of Sherry becomes a toast to friendship and to Christmas.
Sherry wines to accompany the festivities
Perfect pairings for appetizers and starters with Sherry wines
Tapas are another of the great traditions of the Christmas holidays in Spain, and Sherry is their perfect companion. For example, fino and manzanilla bring out the flavours of fish and seafood. With a dry, salty flavour, these wines pair beautifully with everything from grilled prawns to fresh oysters. For more intense flavours, such as Iberian ham or cured cheeses, amontillado and oloroso provide a smooth, deep contrast.
How to choose the ideal Sherry for your aperitifs
Choosing the right Sherry for each tapa can enhance the experience. For seafood starters, fino and manzanilla are the perfect choice. If the tapas include intense or spicy flavours, choose an amontillado or oloroso, whose rounded and complex nuances will provide a harmonious pairing.
Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dinner pairings with Sherry wines
Main courses and the right Sherry Wine
For Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dinners, Sherry Wines are the perfect choice to create a fully complemented menu. For a main course of roast lamb or grilled meat, amontillado or palo cortado will add complexity to the ensemble. Oloroso is an ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes, such as roast beef or stew. With baked fish, such as sea bass or sea bream, fino or manzanilla will bring freshness, a saline touch, and the perfect iodine aromas to bring out the marine flavours.
Christmas desserts and sweet Sherry wines
Pedro Ximénez is the undisputed king of Christmas desserts; its sweetness and density combine perfectly with mantecados, polvorones and other typical seasonal sweets. This thick, syrupy wine adds notes of sultanas and figs, enhancing any dessert. It also goes perfectly with blue cheeses, creating a surprising contrast between the sweetness of the wine and the intense flavour of the cheese.
Low-alcohol cocktails with Sherry wines: the trend for this festive season
Christmas cocktail recipes with Sherry
Thanks to Sherry’s extraordinary versatility, it is also highly valued as a cocktail ingredient. If you’re after refreshing, low-alcohol alternatives, then fino and manzanilla make excellent bases for festive cocktails. A simple concoction such as the Rebujito, which mixes fino with soda and mint, is ideal to start a meal. Another option is cream with ice and a slice of orange, perfect to add a touch of elegance to your aperitif.
Festive cocktails to celebrate with the family
Due to its lower alcohol content than distilled spirits, Sherry is ideal for those who prefer lighter and less alcoholic options in cocktails. Mixed with fresh fruit juice or infusions, these wines can be used to create light and very aromatic cocktails. In addition, these less alcoholic cocktails allow you to enjoy Christmas in a healthier way, reducing the risk of unwelcome after-effects!
Christmas is the ideal moment for Sweet Sherry wines
The best sweet wines for making toasts at parties
Sweet Sherry wines, such as Pedro Ximénez and cream, are great accompaniments to Christmas celebrations. These wines are ideal for making toasts and can also be served with desserts or even on their own, as an intense flavour experience. The dense texture and sweet taste of a good Pedro Ximénez makes every sip a special moment to share with loved ones.
How to integrate sweet sherry wines into your celebrations
Adding sweet wines to Christmas celebrations is easy. From a dessert to a final toast, Pedro Ximénez or cream Sherry can serve as the exceptional finishing touch for a wonderful meal. They can even be used in gastronomy, such as for dessert sauces or reductions to add depth to dishes.
This Christmas, you’re invited to rediscover Sherry’s flavours and share unforgettable moments with friends and family. A glass of fino as an aperitif, an amontillado for the main course and a Pedro Ximénez for dessert: Sherry is the most characteristic wine for each stage of your festive family meal, so that every gathering becomes a unique occasion, a memorable celebration of tradition and flavour.
