Have you ever read a cookbook and wondered about the different types of vinegar these authors use? You’re not alone. The average person doesn’t have more than one or two vinegar bottles at home.
This article is about Red Wine Vinegar vs Sherry Vinegar; what’s the difference? Let’s look at both kinds of vinegar in detail and then compare them against each other.
Red Wine Vinegar
Ingredients
Red Wine vinegar should have only one ingredient, red wine vinegar, also sometimes called fermented red wine. Sulfites may also be mentioned as an ingredient but are usually mentioned in a byline as some people can’t consume them.
Some brands add additional ingredients, like water, to make the vinegar less acidic. Others add flavor enhancers or sugar. But it is preferable to see only 1-2 ingredients unless you prefer a milder flavor or additional flavor.
How Is Red Wine Vinegar Made?
Red wine vinegar is made from red wine that has been fermented, so it is grapes that have been fermented twice – to keep it simple.
It is the second fermentation process that produces the unique taste of vinegar – fun fact: this has only been discovered by accident when someone discovered that a soured cask of wine contained something that was actually quite nice! There are different sources about when this happened, but it can be narrowed down to 5,000 to 7,000 years ago!
What Kinds Of Red Wine Vinegar Are Available? Where Can I Buy It?
Red Wine Vinegar doesn’t have many different categories like other kinds of vinegar (see below for Sherry Vinegar and its different types).
While there can be differences in quality and slight differences in flavor, buying Red Wine Vinegar is pretty straightforward.
You can buy Red Wine Vinegar in grocery stores and many other stores that sell groceries (Walmart, Target, convenience stores, etc.). It is a common product and easy to find.
Of course, Amazon also has a nice selection.
Amazon’s Happy Belly Brand offers an affordable, basic Red Wine Vinegar.
On the other end of the price scale, you find Banyul’s Gourmet Red Wine Vinegar, imported from France.
For something a little different, try Colavita’s Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar.
Sherry Vinegar
Ingredients
Generally, the ingredient list of Sherry Vinegar is short and should ideally not have more than 2-3 ingredients.
The main ingredient should always be labeled as fermented Sherry Wine or Sherry vinegar. All Sherry vinegar also includes naturally occurring sulfites, which will either be listed as an ingredient or mentioned elsewhere on the label.
How Is Sherry Vinegar Made?
The production process of Sherry vinegar is pretty much the same as that of other vinegar. The base of Sherry Vinegar is Sherry wine, which can only be produced in certain regions of the world – otherwise, it can’t be called Sherry.
Sherry wine is fermented to create Sherry vinegar. This gourmet vinegar must be aged in oak barrels before it can be sold (minimum of six months).
What Kinds Of Sherry Vinegar Are Available? Where Can I Buy It?
Sherry Vinegar comes in different variations. The first thing you need to know about is the three different stages of aging.
- Vinagre de Jerez a minimum of 6 months
- Vinagre de Jerez Reserva a minimum of 2 years
- Vinagre de Jerez Gran Reserva a minimum of 10 years
The flavor of Sherry Vinegar is influenced by the grapes used to make the Sherry Wine. There are only three types that are used for Sherry.
- Palomino is most common for Sherry, the taste will be floral and mildly fruity.
- Pedro Ximénez is not so common, but worth trying. It mixes different sensations and probably creates one of the most interesting kinds of vinegar.
- Moscatel grapes produce the sweetest of the three kinds of vinegar, but you don’t find Sherry Vinegars made with these very often.
As Sherry vinegar isn’t as popular as other vinegar, you will find a smaller selection in grocery stores and other stores that sell groceries (e.g., Walmart).
While most big grocery stores will have one or two different options, smaller grocery stores might not have any options.
If not, you can turn to online shops like Amazon.
Columela Sherry Vinegar Clasico is a classic Palomino grape vinegar imported from Spain.
O California’s Sherry Vinegar is also made from Palomino grapes with a smooth and lightly floral flavor.
Arvum Pedro Ximénez Sherry Vinegar is made from Pedro Ximénez grapes, an imported product, a little more expensive, but worth it!
Comparison Questions
Which Is More Acidic?
Sherry Vinegar’s acidity level ranges from 6-7%, while Red Wine Vinegar’s ranges from 6-8%.
Overall, Red Wine Vinegar is usually less acidic, but still has a strong flavor.
Which Is More Affordable?
As long as you don’t look at luxury brands, Red Wine Vinegar is far more affordable (and easier to find in stores). You can get Red Wine Vinegar for as little as $0.18 per oz.
You will not find a Sherry Vinegar for that kind of money, so the winner in this category is obvious.
Which Has More Uses? Which Is Better For Cooking?
Red Wine Vinegar is good for preserving and pickling food (make sure to use the right acidity, you don’t want a watered down vinegar for that), but also for making sauces, marinades, and other dishes that require a strong flavor.
Sherry Vinegar isn’t commonly used for preserving (too expensive) but is great for making vinaigrettes, salad dressings, dips, sauces, soups, and more.
Overall, both are great for cooking, but Sherry Vinegar is usually a bit milder and can offer a more complex taste profile.
Final Thoughts
Red Wine Vinegar and Sherry Vinegar are both great. Still, I prefer Sherry Vinegar’s more complex flavors, especially when the quality is right (it costs more, but it’s worth it, especially because you never use a whole bottle at once!).
You don’t need to fret if you came here because you wondered whether you can substitute Red Wine Vinegar for Sherry Vinegar or whether there’s too much of a difference. You can do it, as most people won’t notice much difference in the finished meal.
