sherrylike

Sherrylike is an English adjective used to describe something that resembles or evokes sherry, the fortified wine produced in the Jerez region of Spain. It is a descriptive term, not a formal classification, and is commonly used in cooking, wine tasting, and perfumery to convey a specific aroma, flavor, or appearance.

In wine tasting, sherrylike notes usually imply oxidative, nutty, and dried fruit characteristics, often with hints of almonds, hazelnuts, caramel, toffee, or raisins. The color is typically amber to tawny, reflecting oxidative aging styles such as amontillado or oloroso, though sherrylike can also apply to lighter, less-aged profiles that hint at sherry.

In culinary contexts, a sherrylike reduction or sauce may use wine flavors to produce nutty, savory, or slightly saline notes reminiscent of sherry. In perfumery or fragrance criticism, the term may describe a woody, oxidized scent with a sherry-like dryness or warmth.

Etymology-wise, sherrylike is formed from the noun sherry plus the suffix -like to indicate resemblance. The term is widely used descriptively across disciplines but is not a legal or regulated designation. See also sherry, fortified wines, oxidative aging, and nutty flavors for related concepts.