Types of grapes and how they influence the profile of wine and brandy

Grapes are the origin of both wines and Brandy. Through them, unique nuances in flavor, aroma, texture, and aging potential are transmitted. In the case of Brandy de Jerez, the role of grapes is fundamental, although indirectly: what is distilled is not the grape as such, but wines made from it. Therefore, the choice of the variety with which the base wine is made is decisive in defining the character of the distillate.

We invite you to explore the main varieties of white and red grapes, their differences, characteristics, and origins, with a special focus on the Palomino grape, emblem of the Marco de Jerez and soul of Brandy Fundador. 

Types of grapes according to their characteristics 

Grapes are mainly divided into red and white. The red ones provide body and structure to the wines, while the white ones offer freshness and acidity, essential in many winemaking styles. 

Red grapes

Red varieties are responsible for many structured wines suitable for aging. Among the most recognized in Spain are: 

• Tempranillo: National emblem, grown in areas such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Toro. It produces balanced wines with good aging capacity. 

• Mencía: Fresh and floral, typical of Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra. Ideal for elegant and expressive wines. 

• Bobal: Resistant and rich in fruit, predominant in Utiel-Requena. It provides volume and color to young and rosé wines. 

• Rufete, Brancellao, Callet, Gran Negro, Amaral: Less widespread varieties but with great heritage value and expressiveness. 

• In addition, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah complement the Spanish wine scene, providing diversity and blending potential. 

White grapes 

White grapes offer a surprising range of aromas, acidity, and expression. Among the main ones are: 

• Albariño: Very aromatic native to Galicia, with a citrus and saline profile, ideal for pairing with seafood. 

• Verdejo: With a herbaceous and fruity character, it is the queen variety in the D.O. Rueda. 

• Macabeo (Viura): Versatile and floral, it is found both in Rioja and in Catalan cavas. 

• Airén: Although less known for its aromatic profile, it is highly valued for the production of wines intended for distillation, thanks to its high productivity and neutrality. Its main cultivation area is Castilla-La Mancha, especially in provinces such as Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Toledo and Albacete. 

• Loureira: Aromatic and delicate, common in Galicia. 

• Varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also successfully grown in Castilla y León and Catalonia, enriching the national white spectrum. 

The star of Brandy Fundador: the Palomino grape

In the Brandy Fundador, the Palomino grape is the star. Originally from Andalusia, its most emblematic and representative cultivation is found in the Marco de Jerez, where it is used to make the wines of Jerez and, therefore, the base wines of Brandy de Jerez. It is in this region where the Palomino reaches its maximum expression and oenological relevance. 

With a neutral profile and moderate acidity, this variety is ideal for making light white wines, which are then distilled to obtain the base spirit of the brandy. 

Unlike other spirits, Brandy de Jerez is not obtained directly from the grape, but from wines made mainly with Palomino, which are then subjected to a distillation and aging process in American oak barrels previously seasoned with Jerez wines. This system gives the brandy its characteristic complex and elegant profile: with notes of dried fruit, noble wood, caramel and vanilla. 

In some elaborations, Pedro Ximénez wine is also incorporated, which adds sweetness and depth. However, in Fundador, it is the Palomino that provides the aromatic and structural skeleton of the distillate, demonstrating its versatility beyond wine. 

Knowing the grape varieties not only enriches the world of wine, but also that of brandy. In the case of Brandy de Jerez, the Palomino shows its transformative potential: from grape to wine, from wine to distillate, from tradition to excellence. 

Discover the tradition, enjoy the innovation with Fundador. Cheers!