The comprehensive range of five existing sherries (previously named 'Solera Jerezana') and one new Manzanilla cover the spectrum of fine authentic old sherry styles. They will be introduced to shops from 13th May and be available online at WaitroseCellar.com from the 17th May. 

By relaunching these old favourites and extending the range with the new 'El Benito' Manzanilla (which is to support the growth in the fashionable 'dry' sector), Waitrose is demonstrating its long held commitment to the sherry category, where customer interest is steadily increasing. The supermarket is currently outperforming other multiple retailers by 5.6% and stocks a wide selection of branded sherries as well as the 'In Partnership With' own label range. 

The 'In Partnership With' range is made exclusively for Waitrose by Emilio Lustau (from the Caballero group), with whom the supermarket has decades of experience and collaboration.  

Nick Room, Waitrose sherry buyer, comments: 'The 'In Partnership' range is for true sherry lovers, with a focus on fine old dry styles, as well as an exceptional Rich Cream. Fans of real sherry will appreciate the old favourites, which are unchanged in flavour and taste,  while the new 'Pasada' style Manzanilla offers something a little different for our more adventurous shoppers. We're extremely proud of our award-winning range, which we believe represents the very best in the world of sherry. The names we have chosen are exclusive to Waitrose and offered from the Lustau archive, which is particularly exciting for us.'

Nick Room's expert opinion on the full Waitrose 'In Partnership' sherry line-up:

'El Benito' Manzanilla Pasada (NEW)

'A classic dry 'aged fino' sherry style sourced from Sanlucar de Barrameda, the coastal town just along from Jerez, situated within the famous sherry triangle. This wine has a crisp, green apple nose and a rich, bready aroma; supporting 17% alcohol by volume, it is never heavy on the long, long palate, with a saline finish that is so typical of the smell of the sea caught on the breeze.'

Excellent with shellfish and sushi. Always serve chilled. 

'Don Luis' Fino del Puerto (previously Solera Jerezana Fino del Puerto)

'This is a richer Fino than many on the market with a deliberate ABV of 16.5% alcohol to give more power and structure to the depth of fruit. Made in the Puerto area which abuts the sea, this sherry is aged for longer under flor to give extra concentration to its nutty aroma and flavour. Homage to Luis Caballero, long time sherry Don and Hon President of Grupo Caballero, who died in 2013.'

Enjoy with salted almonds and green olives. Drink straight from the fridge. 

'Don Gaspar' Dry Amontillado (previously Solera Jerezana Dry Amontillado)

'This Amontillado is produced to retain the tangy, fresh, light fruit character that remains once the yeasty flor in the sherry cask dies away. A true Amontillado will get its colour from the oxidation in the solera system, where, over time, it takes on an amber hue. Fortified to 19% alcohol by volume, this 'Don Gaspar' Amontillado wine has a bracing, dry, very elegant and long palate of truffle and hazelnuts.'

Great with Iberico ham, chorizo or a tortilla. Can be slightly chilled. 

Oloroso Real Dry Oloroso (previously Solera Jerezana Dry Oloroso)

'With 20% alcohol by volume, the Waitrose 'Real' Oloroso develops more layers of walnut and dried fruit cake aromas which positively dominate the multi-faceted palate. Age, and the fact these wines are deliberately fortified early during their life in barrel, mean that oxidation and colour deepening sets in earlier, and this production technique gives the wine a brooding, figgy complexity that pervades the finish. Rich, dry and very satisfying, it is what the sherry aficionado might look for in a wine of more than 10 years in wood.'

Best served with dried fruit and nuts, but also works a treat with hard cheese. 

Torre del Oro Palo Cortado (previously Solera Jerezana Palo Cortado)

'A wine that is very much a balance between the light floral character of an aged fino and the more muscular oloroso, Palo Cortado sherries have a unique position in the sherry hierarchy of styles. However they are made, the cellarmaster will direct the maturation of the wine towards a flavour profile he thinks flatters the House. Often the most intriguing wine of the range, a Palo Cortado should have a cleanliness of aroma and a lifted palate with extreme delicacy of Amontillado yet the depth of an Oloroso that fully supports the powerful 19% alcohol found in this wine.'               

A very good match with fruit desserts or even served during main courses. Will complement mushrooms, poultry and lightly spiced foods.

Tomas Abad Rich Cream (previously Solera Jerezana Rich Cream)

'The Tomas Abad Rich Cream sherry at 20% abv is the sweetest in the line-up and is arguably the one that lingers longest on the palate. The use of Pedro Ximenez gives colour and viscosity, as well as sweetness and roasted raisin flavours, which is blended prior to bottling with old Oloroso. All the components are well integrated to yield a surprisingly fresh, but ultimately very treacly definition on the palate and a taste that goes on and on.' 

Perfect for chocoholics or why not try with ice cream, fruit tarts or crème brûlée- at any time of the year not just Christmas!

All are priced at £9.99 per 75cl bottle.

ENDS