Spanish Sherry Vinegars are a delicious and incredibly versatile addition to any pantry, especially in the summer. The finest Sherry Vinegars in the world are from Jerez de la Frontera, the famed Sherry making region in Andalusia in Southern Spain, nestled between the mountains and the ocean. In order to be named a true Vinagre de Jerez, the Sherry vinegar must be harvested and aged in this region for a minimum of 6 months in oak barrels, giving the product a delicate woody flavor.
El Majuelo is made from the Pedro Ximénez grape variety, and is a sweeter version of Sherry vinegar. This one is particularly good for marinating fish and meats, especially duck and lamb; and also for deglazing the pan after searing meats to make a pan sauce. Because of the sweetness, it’s also lovely for summer salads topped with fruit.
Although considered a Spanish treasure across the globe, the PX grape has a story of adventure on the high seas. Legend has it that the PX grape originated in the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa, and actually came to the Jerez valley in the suitcase of a soldier named Pedro Ximénez in the 1500s. Whether it’s just a legend, or truly history, no one knows; the legend will remain a secret lost at sea.