Brandy de Jerez Flashcards
How long is Solera Reserva aged?
At least 1 year.
How long is Solera aged?
At least 6 months.
How does the wine made from airén compare with the wines made for the distillation into Cognac and Armagnac?
It is higher in alcohol and lower in acidity.
Is blending within a solera system the only way of blending Brandy de Jerez?
No, the product of two or more soleras can be blended.
What can ex-fino barrels impart?
Aromas/flavours of grilled nuts.
What are the four rules regarding the maturation of Brandy de Jerez?
- it must be aged in a solera system.
- it must be aged in barrels of 1,000 litres or less.
- it must be aged in ex-sherry barrels.
- it must be aged in the region of Jerez (the sherry triangle).
What stills are used to produce the three strengths of spirit used to make Brandy de Jerez?
All may be made in column stills but only Holandes can be made in a pot still.
What percentage of grapes used for Brandy de Jerez are arién?
95%.
What is the traditional pot still in Jerez called?
An alquitara.
Who owns Lepanto brandy?
Gonzalez Byass.
What are the usual proportions of spirit in the three Brandy de Jerez styles?
Solera: 50% Holandes/ 50% Destilado.
Solera Reserva 75% Holandes.
Solera Gran Reserva 100 % Holandes.
What is main grape used in Brandy de Jerez
Airén.
Which grape variety does Lepanto brandy de Jerez use?
Palomino, grown in vineyards owned by Gonzalez Byass in Jerez Superior.
Is airén grown in Jerez?
No, in La Mancha.
What is the advantage of using a solera in the production of Brandy de Jerez?
It allows blending to take place throughout the maturation process.
Is brandy defined in Spanish law?
Yes, but only Brandy de Jerez.
Does double distillation happen in Jerez?
No, one distillation is enough.
What is the abv of Aguardientes?
Between 70 and 86%.
What 2 things is Brandy de Jerez particularly notable for?
- use of high-strength spirit.
2. use of solera system.
What is the bottom level of a solera system called?
The solera.
Are grape varieties set by law for Brandy de Jerez?
No.
What is an ALQUITARA ?
The name for the traditional pot still in Jerez. The same as an alembique.
Do the barrels in used for Brandy de Jerez soleras impart oak flavours and aromas?
No. Only flavours from previous sherry content.
What does the law say about how much high alcohol spirit is allowed in a blend?
A minimum of 50% must be spirit which is distilled to less than 86% abv, i.e. only 50% can be destilados.
What are the three towns of the sherry triangle?
Jerez de la Frontera
El Puerto de Santa Maria
Sanlúcar de Barrameda
When was the Lepanto company established?
1886.
Where is most Brandy de Jerez distilled?
In La Mancha (some is done in Jerez).
How long is Solera Gran Reserva aged?
At least 3 years.
What is the key to flavour intensity in Brandy de Jerez?
The amount of Holandes used. Solera Gran Reserva is often 100% Holandes.
What is the abv of Holandes?
70% or less.
What can ex-Oloroso barrels impart?
Aromas/flavours of walnut, plums, and figs.
What are the three labelling categories of Brandy de Jerez? And what do they mean?
- Solera; aged at least 6 months. 50% Holandes and 50% spirits.
- Solera Reserva; aged at least 1 year. 75% Holandes and 25% spirits.
- Solera Gran Reserva; aged at least 3 years. 100% Holandes.
What are the names of the three classes of spirit produced for the making of Brandy de Jerez? What are their abvs?
- Holandes; from 40% to 70% abv maximum.
- Aguardientes; between 70 and 86% abv.
- Destilados; 86% abv or above (i.e. up to 94.8%)
What are all levels of the solera system, except the bottom one, called?
A criadera.
What is the abv of Destilados?
86% or above.
What can former Pedro Ximénez barrels impart?
Aromas/flavours of raisins.
What is the role of sweetening?
This is sometimes done with Pedro Ximénez to the cheaper brandies.
Which is the only brandy to be distilled in the city of Jerez?
Lepanto.
Where is the airén used in Brandy de Jerez grown?
La Mancha.
The wine fermented from airén is of what abv?
11 - 13%
What is the typical size and origin of barrels used for maturing Brandy de Jerez?
500 litres; American oak.
What are the advantages of the solera system for Brandy de Jerez?
- perfect homogenisation during ageing process.
- regular movement leads to aeration and oxidation.
- allows small amounts of very old brandy to be included.
At what strength is the brandy aged?
Usually at 50 - 60 % abv. this allows better extraction from the wood.
What evaporates during ageing and how much?
Alcohol; 7% a year.
Describe Lepanto Gran Reserva.
9 years in ex-Tio Pepe barrels followed by three years in ex-Oloroso barrels.
