Sandman Dry Pale Sherry, Medium Dry, ‘release from the 1980s’

Sandeman Dry Pale Sherry Medium Dry – Bottled in the 1980s

1. Introduction & Product Name

The product in question is a Sandeman Dry Pale Sherry Medium Dry from a bottling dating from the 1980s. The spelling ‘Sandman’ is a common typo – the correct name is that of the long-established Sandemanhouse .

The specific designation ‘Dry Pale Sherry Medium Dry’ can be found in auction listings for bottles from this period. In the 1980s, an Amontillado sherry was marketed under this designation . The term ‘Dry Pale’ refers to the paler, lighter colour compared to fuller-bodied Oloroso sherries, whilst ‘Medium Dry’ denotes the semi-dry flavour profile.

2. The winery: Sandeman – a traditional house since 1790

Bodegas Sandeman can look back on a history spanning over 230 years:

Sandeman remains one of the world’s best-known brands of sherry and port to this day.

3. The sherry in detail: Dry Pale Medium Dry (1980s bottling)

3.1 Grape variety & origin

• Grape variety: 100% Palomino

• Region of origin: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Sherry Triangle in Andalusia)

• Alcohol content: Not stated on the label of the 1980s bottle, but estimated at approx. 18% vol.. The current version has an alcohol content of 15% vol..

3.2 Production process

The Medium Dry is an Amontillado sherry, produced in a multi-stage process:

1. Fermentation of the Palomino must

2. Fortification with brandy

3. Ageing in the solera system under a flor (a protective layer of natural yeast)

4. Addition of further brandy to kill off the flor – this allows the wine to come into contact with oxygen (oxidative ageing, typical of Amontillado)

5. Finishing with approx. 5% Pedro Ximénez – a very sweet sherry that gives the Medium Dry its characteristic, slight sweetness

3.3 Sensory description

The current version of Sandeman Medium Dry is described as follows – this information is likely to apply largely to the 1980 bottling as well :

The nutty flavours are a typical characteristic of the Amontillado style, whilst the slight sweetness results from the addition of Pedro Ximénez.

4. Historical context: The 1980s bottling

The 1980s were a time of changefor Sandeman :

• In 1980, the company was integrated into the Seagram Group – one of the world’s largest spirits conglomerates.

• Bottlings from this decade are now rarities and are occasionally offered at auctions.

• An auction in 2018, for example, featured six rare Sandeman bottles, including a ‘Dry Pale Sherry medium Dry’ from the 1960s and a 1-litre bottle of ‘Dry Fino Seco Sherry’ from the 1980s.

• The condition of such bottles varies greatly; when dealing with rare items, dealers expressly point out that they cannot guaranteethe wine’s drinkability.

5. Serving recommendations

The following recommendations apply when enjoying Medium Dry Sherry:

6. Conclusion

The Sandeman Dry Pale Sherry Medium Dry from the 1980s is an Amontillado sherry from one of Spain’s most traditional sherry houses. It is characterised by its amber-gold colour, nutty aroma and harmonious, medium-dry flavour – a balanced combination of the dryness of the Amontillado and the slight sweetness of the added Pedro Ximénez. Today ,bottles from this decade are rare collector’s items that only occasionally turn up at auction.