Sherry goes to the cinema with UK premiere at Edinburgh film festival

By Nigel Huddleston

Published: 26 June, 2015

Sherry producers are hoping for an unexpected boost in profile with the release of a feature film documentary about the fortified wine.

Sherry: The Mystery of Palo Cortado was screened as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival this week and more appearances at cinemas across the country are planned for later in the year.

The Edinburgh screening was followed by a tasting of Gonzalez Byass' Leonor Palo Cortado 12-year-old - which is listed by Oddbins - led Beltrán Domecq (pictured), president of the Consejo Regulador de Jerez and Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda, sherry's governing council.

The film is a homage to sherry's history, production and the people responsible for cultivating its history and future. It is also a study of what generic body Sherry Wines UK called sherry's "most elusive style".

Domecq said: "Even after this wonderful and detailed exploration to discover the secrets behind Palo Cortado, I am afraid it still remains a mystery, and something that people will need to discover for themselves. With a glass of sherry of course. And I think that is how we all like it."

Producer Antonio Saura added: "Since the film was first screened, at the Berlin Film Festival, it has been wonderful to see the reaction we have had from within the sherry industry, but also with our audiences who are learning, enjoying and seeing for themselves how this special drink evolves."

In an audience Q&A, director José Luis López-Linares, said: "I had no idea of sherry before we made this film. I have learnt everything about sherry from making this film and for that I am grateful, and now drink it constantly."

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