FOR the first time ever, World Sherry Day has been extended to International Sherry Week, prompting seven days of tastings and sherry-themed dinners around the globe.

Jerez in Andalucia, awarded the title European Wine Capital City 2014, will certainly have a lot to celebrate.

The ancient city is the heart of the sherry triangle which is framed by three Andalucian towns. While bodegas produce seven varieties of sherry made from the palomino grape, it is the dry styles such as fino and manzanilla that have rekindled our thirst for fortified wines.

With manzanilla the flavour profile is determined by the density of flor yeast, which sits on top of the wine while it matures in the barrel for a minimum of three years.

To appreciate its freshness, manzanilla should also be enjoyed chilled and drunk within a day or two of opening, hence some smaller sized and reasonably priced bottles such as Tesco Finest Manzanilla (£6, 50cl, Tesco). Breezy and zesty with dried candied fruit aromas and a salty, lemony mouth feel, this would be a great choice with calamari and garlic prawns.

If you’re still not convinced that a glass of sherry can tear you away from a smooth shiraz, Morrisons Amontillado Medium Dry Sherry (£5.49, 75cl, Morrisons), which was awarded gold by the International Wine Challenge, can sit alongside your favourite vino and be drizzled into consommé, lobster bisque and game soups.

Alternatively, round the meal off with a glass of lightly chilled Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 12 YO Dry Amontillado Sherry (£8, 50cl, Sainsbury’s). Another medal winner, this powerful, more mature style is a medley of raisins, toffee and prunes and can be paired with hard cheeses and nuts.