Do you find yourself craving a small glass of sherry before dinner? And are you a fan of the British television series Downton Abbey? Perhaps you are one of the many drinkers experiencing the "Downton effect," the term The Independent UK uses to explain the rising popularity of a once-fusty drink.
Set around World War I, the series revolves around an aristocratic family and its household affairs, which often include a bit of sherry before supper. Of course, the show's popularity isn't the only reason behind the fortified wine's newfound hipness, at least in the UK. More restaurants are serving sherry, reintroducing diners to a drink they might normally associate with their grannies.
But who knows? Maybe Downton Abbey will do for sherry what Mad Men has done for whiskey. After reading the article, I'm planning on toasting the U.S. premiere of Season 2 next month with a glass of Manzanilla — how about you?
• Read the article: My Sherry Amour at The Independent UK
• Check out the series: Downton Abbey at PBS
Have you noticed sherry becoming more popular?
More About Sherry on The Kitchn:
• Why Sherry Is So Extraordinary
• Why I Always Have a Bottle of Sherry in My Kitchen
• A Safe Bet: Sherry and Cheese. Together.
(Images: Faith Durand; ITV)
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Frasier always made me want to drink sherry.
I'm with Girl_Friday!
how timely - i have been on such a sherry kick lately - and yes, mostly due to the influence of the various british television series i've been watching lately. i'd probably suggest kicking in a little bit more than the $6 that bottle of Taylor in the picture cost. that stuff is good for cooking - but there are some really wonderful sherries out there.
Nothing will ever displace Frasier as the tv show most associated with sherry.
I actually have always liked the spanish version of sherry: jerez
At the age of 14, Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca made me want to try sherry. I think I was mainly intrigued by the idea of drinking something served out of a crystal decanter.
Cannot wait for the second season!!!
I think sherry tastes horrible, so I wouldn't be tempted by any show to drink it.
I am on a whiskey kick though thanks to a stay in Ireland.
All sherry is Spanish. Jerez is the area where the grapes are grown.
I adore sherry, especially a dry fino.
Frasier & Fawlty Towers for us. My household is big on small amounts of very alcoholic, very sweet, very thick wine-- basically, port and cream sherry. Our cordial glasses see a lot of use.
Frasier made me a fan of cream sherry after dinner. Dry sherry like you have pictured...ew.
Did whiskey really need Mad Men to make people want to drink it? ;)