Heston, in conjunction with scientist Professor Don Mottram of Reading University, has discovered a group of compounds known as diketopiperazines (DKPs) in Sherry. These are particularly associated with the dry styles of Sherry, and it is thought can actually accentuate the taste and flavour of certain 'umami-rich' foods such as meat, fish, cheese and shiitake mushrooms (umami is the fifth tasting sense beyond sweet, sour, bitter, and salty). Heston enthuses: "Here we have scientific evidence to suggest what foodies across the globe have always known: that Sherry is a perfect wine to accompany food. And quite simply, Sherry gives these kinds of foods an extra dimension of pleasure."

The UK's number one chef has also turned traditional food pairing completely on its head. Heston explains: "At the moment it is done purely by assessing the wine's aroma (volatile compounds) then marrying it with similar or contrasting foods. But by examining Sherry on a scientific level to reveal its 'non-volatile' [taste] components (unique to Sherry), we've thrown up a host of great pairings, some of them surprising."

In his signature style of extraordinary food-making, Heston teams caramelised pork and eggs with Pale Cream Sherry - and conjures up some exquisite little quail Scotch eggs. He's put Amontillado with peaches for a symphony in taste - and gives a totally contemporary twist to cheese fondue, matching gruyere and cloves with Fino*. And for Cream Sherry he has Eccles cakes with Stilton and Sherry butter.

Interestingly, Heston's new science proves that, intuitively, chefs have been using these kind of pairings through history. Chinese rice wine (very similar in make-up to Sherry) has traditionally been used in cooking - and Sherry with consomme is a classic. It also shows why we love some of our great British favourites. Trifle for instance, scientifically matches perfectly with a PX Sherry.

Heston also debunks the myth that Sherry is only a 'Christmas' drink, His new science totally de-seasonalises it, and he's developed a brand new range of gorgeous, but simple to prepare dishes that can be enjoyed at home - all year round.

Heston's ongoing odyssey with the wine has seen him lead the tenstartapas band of Michelin-winning Sherry chefs and judge the annual Copa Jerez international Sherry chef competition. He even travelled to Jerez to deconstruct, then build the ultimate Sherry trifle in his TV series: In Search of Perfection. If that were not enough, at the Fat Duck, officially declared the UK's best restaurant (again), Heston stocks what is probably the most extensive Sherry wine list in the country.

Download Heston's new Sherry pairings