Not every Spanish brandy needs to be heavy and contemplative. Lustau's Solera Reserva is the house's entry point into the world of Jerez brandy — lighter on its feet, yet still built on the same centuries-old method.
Expert's Description
Lustau Brandy de Jerez Solera Reserva is a Spanish Brandy de Jerez, matured in former Amontillado sherry casks through the traditional solera system, bottled at 40%.
Behind the bottle stands Bodegas Lustau, whose history begins in 1896, when José Ruiz-Berdejo, a court secretary in Jerez, began growing vines in his spare time on the family estate Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza. His daughter María Ruiz-Berdejo and her husband Emilio Lustau Ortega later took over and developed the company, focusing on export and quality. Today Lustau is based in Jerez de la Frontera and is considered one of the most respected houses within Brandy de Jerez.
Solera Reserva is the house's more approachable tier, with a shorter maturation time than the deeper Gran Reserva expression. The base spirit is made from the Airen and Palomino Fino grape varieties, and maturation takes place exclusively in casks that previously held Amontillado sherry — it is precisely these casks that give the brandy its characteristic nutty, slightly dry profile.
The result is a soft, balanced brandy that shows just how much character the Jerez tradition can give even a lighter expression.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose offers vanilla, bitter orange marmalade and a touch of dried fruit.
Palate
The palate is soft and balanced, with a fine combination of dryness and sweetness, where nuts, spices and toasted oak unfold on the tongue.
Finish
The finish is long, smooth and nutty, with a warming close.
Specifications
Name: Lustau Brandy de Jerez Solera Reserva
Distillery: Bodegas Lustau
Country: Spain
Type: Spanish Brandy de Jerez
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Former Amontillado sherry casks, solera system
EAN no.: 8412325003024
Serving suggestion: Enjoy to round off a good meal, ideally alongside dark chocolate or a good cigar.
Flavour Profile
Vanilla · Bitter orange · Nuts · Nutty finish
Did You Know?
Did you know that Airen is one of the world's most widely planted white grape varieties, grown mainly in the Spanish region of La Mancha? Together with Palomino Fino, the classic grape of the Jerez triangle, it forms the base spirit behind this brandy.
