Brandy de Jerez

Question 1

What region are most grapes for Brandy de Jerez grown in?

Answer 1

La Mancha

Question 2

What grapes are used for Brandy de Jerez and how do they differ from those used for cognac?

Answer 2

Airen - 95%
Palomino - 5%

These grapes are higher in sugar content and low in acid

Question 3

What towns make up the “Sherry Triangle” where Brandy de Jerez must be aged?

Answer 3

Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Berrameda, El Puerto de Santa Maria

Question 4

What are the 3 categories of distillate for Brandy de Jerez, and how are they defined?

Answer 4

Holandas - up to 70% ABV
Aguardiente - up to 80% ABV
Destilado - up to 85% ABV or 94.8% ABV

Question 5

What is the solera system of aging?

Answer 5

Barrels that are used for aging must have held Sherry for a minimum of 3 years. Furthermore, the barrels may be either ex-fino or ex-oloroso barrels

Question 6

What are the aging requirements for the 3 categories of Brandy de Jerez?

Answer 6

Solera - minimum 6 months of solera aging in wood
Solera Reserva - minimum 1 year of solera aging in wood
Solera Gran Reserva - minimum 3 years of solera aging in wood, AND must be 100% Holandas