Jerez, home of the best Sherry Casks

December, 2021

Jerez de la Frontera, located in Cadiz (Spain), is known for being the birthplace of Brandy de Jerez and for its dynamic ageing system in Sherry Casks. Find out in this article what makes this region and its Sherry Casks so special.

Why the best Sherry Casks are located in Jerez?

The Marco de Jerez (the area between the municipalities of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María) is located in the northwest of Cadiz, the southernmost province of the Iberian Peninsula. This is a privileged region, surrounded by the rivers Guadalquivir and Guadalete. This area is known for the elaboration of the famous Sherry wines, a key business in the history of the municipalities that are part of the Marco and of the cultural identity of the area. Its weather, characterised by the presence of east and west winds, more than 300 days of sunshine per year, temperatures between 4º and 40º and high annual pluviosity (up to 600L/m2 per year), make it a unique location. In addition, these climatic conditions, together with its particular albariza soil, make this region an ideal place for the grape growth and the subsequent production of high quality Sherry wines: Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez. For hundreds of years, these wines have been aged in Sherry Casks, justifying the need for such extensive collections in this region, which are necessary for the proper development of the industry. They are also used to age the best distillates of the area, such as the well-known brandy de Jerez, giving these products unique nuances due to their quality. In this way, Jerez is where " the magic" happens, becoming the heart of the whole process and making it impossible to understand the brandy' s world without it.

What factors affect the quality of a Sherry Cask?

Sherry Casks are an essential part of any distillate production process. As we explained in our previous post, Sherry Casks are American oak casks with a large capacity, great porosity and a transfer of nuances. Thus, having contained in their interior the highest quality, very old sherry wines and, subsequently, ageing our brandies, they give them special qualities. The result is unique products: Fundador Supremo, Fundador Triple Madera and Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, which are part of the Sherry Casks collection, emphasising the essential element in their elaboration process. Other distillates, such as the world's finest Single Malt Whiskies, have also recognised the qualities of Sherry Casks, incorporating them into their ageing processes, demonstrating what a precious jewel they are. All these conditions endorse us and allow these unique butts to be certified by the Consejo Regulador de Denominación de Origen Jerez, giving an excellent ageing to the brandy and being a crucial factor in its quality.

Our locally produced and handcrafted Sherry Casks

Our Sherry Casks, in addition to being in the oldest bodega in the Marco de Jerez, Bodegas Fundador, are part of the largest collection of casks in the region. The art of cooperage - cask making - is a traditional art that still persists and has been part of the history, culture and tradition of the Marco de Jerez for centuries, but why are sherry casks so highly prized worldwide? The production of sherry casks is a centuries-old art. Their elaboration requires a highly developed technique and a great precision, which is why it is a profession that is learnt and passed on from generation to generation. In addition to their traditional and handcrafted production, as mentioned above, what makes our casks special is that they have previously contained high quality sherry wine, giving the Brandy they age an incomparable flavour, colour and aroma.

If you want to know more about these very special sherry casks, read our article about Sherry Casks, what are they and their benefits.

Sources used and linked to in this article: Sherry Wine. The Sherry Wine Region. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/sherry-region/sherry-wine-region. Accessed 11 November. Sherry Wine. The Consejo Regulador. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/sherry-region/consejo-regulador. Accessed 11 November. Sherry Wine. The history of Sherry Casks. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/sherry-cask/the-history-of-sherry-casks. Accessed 11 November. Sherry Wine. The cooperage. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/sherry-cask/sherrycask-the-cooperage . Accessed 22 November.

Fundador Supremo at Gastronomika 2021: Spain and France united thanks to brandy de Jerez

November, 2021

Fundador conquers the world's most demanding palates thanks to its participation in San Sebastian Gastronomika. This 23rd edition, with its focus on French cuisine and culture, has been the boost that brandy de Jerez needed to consolidate its position as an essential part of haute cuisine. Fundador has reaffirmed its leadership in the Olympus of haute cuisine and the finest liquids.

Romain Fornell, one of the leading representatives of French cuisine and ambassador of Fundador Supremo, has been the leader of the new dialogue between French and Spanish cuisine. This gastronomic collaboration between Fundador Supremo and Fornell, between Spain and France, between brandy and haute cuisine française, has been the perfect reunion at Gastronomika 2021.

Fundador Supremo's presence at the San Sebastian congress was accompanied by a variety of actions to publicise and highlight the quality and excellence that characterises this Brandy de Jerez. The virtues of Fundador as the perfect complement to haute cuisine were presented through different activities.

Romain Fornell, Chef and ambassador of Fundador Supremo

Fundador conquers the world's most demanding palates thanks to its participation in San Sebastián Gastronomika. The 23rd edition, with its focus on French cuisine and culture, has been the boost that brandy de Jerez needed to consolidate its position as an essential part of haute cuisine. Fundador has reaffirmed its leadership in the Olympus of haute cuisine and the finest liquids. A recognition by industry professionals that has been supported by Romain Fornell, one of the leading representatives of French cuisine and ambassador of Fundador Supremo. This gastronomic collaboration between Fundador Supremo and Fornell, between Spain and France, between brandy and haute cuisine française, has been the perfect reunion at Gastronomika 2021. Under this slogan, the Kursaal opened its doors. After the successful online edition in 2020, this event was brought back in person, marked by a great acceptance from both the public and the chefs, and that long-awaited return to normality in which smiles, hugs and happiness were reunited again.

Fundador Supremo at Gastrononomika 2021

From 14 to 17 November, San Sebastian was the global capital of gastronomy. This year the focus was on France, trying to establish a new dialogue between French and Spanish cuisine and being the core around which the programme of this congress was based. Spanish and French culture have merged into one to achieve excellence thanks to the best in the world. And here we could not miss Fundador and Romain Fornell, examples of excellence on both sides of the border. The most transformative concepts, new talents of the sector and important figures from Spain and France have been present together with relevant chefs from all over the world. This congress was the cornerstone of this meeting between the French and Spanish gastronomy. This is just the beginning, the start of a relationship full of richness and diversity.

Simone Caporale, Martin Berasategui and Ángel Piña enjoying their perfect serve de Fundador Sherry Cask Solera.

Fundador's French Taste

Vanguard, fusion, technique and alliance. All this and more was Gastronomika 2021. Taking advantage of its main focus, Fundador took part in this event to showcase the virtues and qualities of its brandy as the perfect complement to haute cuisine. Flavour has no frontiers and Spain and France have always been united for this reason. Fundador and Fornell have created a bridge to the future, a connection that combines the best of each part. Fundador's participation in Gastronomika has been marked by an agenda of events, in which the quality and distinction that characterises the brand has been presented. The roadmap began on Sunday 14 November with the inaugural dinner of the event. Around 150 people met at the Basque Culinarie Center to enjoy the evening. A meeting at which Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, Fundador's proposal to revitalise the category, was presented. Simone Caporale, a collaborator of Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, owns SIPS cocktail bar together with Marc Álvarez, and they are two of the best bartenders in the world. Therefore, Simone Caporale was the responsible to present this product as a perfect alternative to mixed drinks with cola. On Monday 15th, in Room 35 of the Kursaal and in front of around 40 people, Fundador's main event took place, exemplifying this perfect French-Spanish alliance. From 17:00 h to 18:30 h a workshop was held, preparing a pairing between Spanish and French cheeses and Fundador Supremo range of brandies. Eva Vila, a cheese expert in Spain, the chef Romain Fornell, who explained these pairings, and Simone Caporale, who presented the virtues of these premium liquids. This masterclass was also attended by Ángel Piña, Global Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer of Fundador. As a representative of the brand, Piña knew that this was the perfect opportunity to show the nuances that the Sherry Casks give to these Prestige brandies.

Romain Fornell, Eva Vila, Ángel Piña and Simone Caporale

Gastronomika 2021 has been an introduction to what Fundador Supremo can offer haute cuisine. With this event, brandy de Jerez adds a new story to its legend: the conquer of cognac's land. Fundador dreamt of France and turned it into a reality.

The written legend of Fundador Supremo

Fundador Supremo is the result of centuries of knowledge distilling brandy in the oldest bodega of the Marco de Jerez. The taste of this brandy dates back to 1874, when Fundador, the first Brandy de Jerez, was born. It is precisely the time that these wines (Oloroso, Amontillado and Pedro Ximénez) spend in contact with the wood of the Sherry Casks that today we can speak of Fundador Supremo, a brandy with unique nuances. Speaking of Sherry Casks is referring to American oak casks with a great porosity and transfer of nuances, and which are the object of desire of distillates such as the best Single Malt Whiskies for their ageing process. Excellence and history define the relationship between Fundador and Romain Fornell. Both are role models in their respective fields, as they have been able to develop over time and create new products for the most demanding palates, always offering a unique sensorial experience.

Chef Amandine Chaignot, Guillaume Gómez, Ángel Piña, chef Alain Dutournier, Simone Caporale and chef Romain Fornell

As Fornell rightly says, "Supremo plays with wood and time, just as a great chef plays with product and technique. Haute cuisine must understand the greatness of the Jerez region and the products elaborated there, in order to play with a liquid like Fundador Supremo, and elevate it to a premium gastronomic experience". Visit our blog and discover all about the sherry cask universe: what are they and what are their benefits.

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Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, the brandy that will leave no one indifferent

November, 2021

After more than 40 years, Fundador launches a rejuvenated image of its most iconic brandy.

A unique brandy, aged in Sherry casks, perfect to combine with Coke.

Fundador, origin of the first Spanish brandy and a reference since 1874, has been able to adapt to the new times without neglecting the tradition that supports it. In 2021 it presents its best-known Brandy Solera, Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, completely renovated.

Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, the original legend

Fundador Sherry Cask Solera is the updated version of the brand's icon, to revitalize and premiumize the category after more than 40 years of success. An unprecedented launch that will be available in such important markets as the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico and the United States, as well as Spain. From the cap (closure) to the embossing with the date of birth of the winery, or the new double label, it seeks direct communication with the consumer, taking care of every detail. In addition, the incorporation of a QR code on its back label allows for further information, favoring this approach. It is brandy's moment and, for Ángel Piña, Global Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer of Fundador and Emperador Distillers Spain, like everything good in life, "we had it in front of us, but we didn't value it enough". "At Fundador we are finally reclaiming and highlighting a treasure that other categories, such as the best Single Malt Whiskies in the world, discovered and have been using for a long time, that is, refining or finalizing the aging process of the liquid with sherry casks that have previously contained sherry wine. These casks are unique in the world, and it is in the Marco de Jerez where "the magic" has to happen." "Being owners of Harveys (Harveys Bristol Cream is the world's best-selling sherry brand according to IWSR 2020 data), gives us the possibility to select the best Sherry Casks to refine our best brandies Fundador."

New times, new ways of consumption

In order to inspire the consumer through innovation and a new way of consumption, Fundador Sherry Cask Solera has been updated while remaining true to its essence. Thanks to its aging process in Sherry Casks, casks that have contained the best wines of Jerez, the brandy acquires special nuances and a sweet and smooth taste, perfect to enjoy on its own (neat), or with ice, Coke and a citrus mix of lemon and orange as slices in a tall wine glass.

Sherry Cask Collection

The Sherry Cask Collection, to which the product belongs, is composed of brandies aged in the best sherry casks from the oldest winery in Jerez, Bodegas Fundador.

As we have seen, these casks, certified by the Regulatory Council of the D.O., are the object of desire of other distillates such as whiskey or rum for their aging processes, so it was time to highlight their importance, hence the surname Sherry Cask. In addition to this brandy, there is Fundador Supremo, its most premium range of brandies and winner of awards such as "Best Brandy in the World" by the IWSC, or the Platinum Medal by the SFWSC, and Fundador Triple Mdera (Triple Wood).

If you want to know more about our exclusive sherry casks, take a look at the article we wrote about them.

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French haute cuisine surrenders to the charms of Fundador Supremo

October, 2021

French chef Romain Fornell is the new ambassador of Fundador Supremo brandy. Until next year, Fornell will showcase the strengths and qualities of this Prestige brandy as the perfect accompaniment to French haute cuisine.

Romain Fornell, Ángel Piña, Marc Álvarez and Guillaume Gómez

Fundador Supremo and Romain Fornell, the best among many

Romain Fornell has just become the new ambassador of Fundador Supremo, but French chef's relationship with Supremo has a long history, and this collaboration is the culmination of it. As he says "it started a year and a half ago, with my trip to Jerez, where I visited Bodegas Fundador, saw its amazing collection of casks, tasted exceptional liquids... It is a legacy so deep and unknown at the same time... It has a great story to tell. I am pleased to be a part of it”. Excellence and a long history define the relationship between Fundador and Romain Fornell. Both are role models in their area, the best among many,as they have been able to develop over time and create new products focused on the most demanding palates, always offering a unique sensorial experience. As Fornell rightly says, "Supremo plays with wood and time, just as a great chef plays with product and technique. Haute cuisine must understand the greatness of the Marco de Jerez region and their products to be able to experiment with a liquid like Fundador Supremo, and elevate it to a premium gastronomic experience". The elaboration of quality brandies requires the best sherry wines, unique Sherry Casks and centuries of experience. Speaking of Sherry Casks is referring to American oak casks with a great porosity and transfer of nuances, and which are the object of desire of distillates such as the best Single Malt Whiskies for their ageing process. Therefore, and in words of Ángel Piña, Global Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer of Supremo, "at Fundador we are finally claiming and giving value to a treasure that other categories discovered and have been using for a long time. These casks are unique in the world, and it is in the Marco de Jerez region where "the magic" has to happen. In addition, making our Harveys sherry wines, gives us the ability to select the best Sherry Casks to elaborate our best Fundador brandies". (Harveys Bristol Cream is the world's best-selling sherry wine brand according to IWSR 2020).

The three expressions of Fundador Supremo

Caelis: the perfect place for this alliance

Caelis, the chef’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona, was chosen to present this new union through a menu exclusively created for this very special union.

Romain Fornell at his restaurant, Caelis

Guests enjoyed special amuse-bouches paired with the sherry wines that have contained the Sherry Casks where each Supremo is aged: Amontillado V.O.R.S., Oloroso V.O.R.S. and Pedro Ximénez V.O.R.S.. Then, diners enjoyed a meal armonized with each Supremo expression. As a final drink, they tasted on the terrace the liquid pairing made with Fundador Sherry Cask Solera, Fundador’s new launching, created by Marc Álvarez and Simone Caporale from Sips, also Fundador's bartenders partners. The event was attended by important personalities from the culinary sector, such as Guillaume Gómez, Personal Representative of the President of France for Gastronomy and Food and close friend of Romain Fornell, who wanted to take part in this special occasion. Also, taking advantage of this new alliance between the two countries, Romain was awarded with the Knight in the National Order of Merit insignia.

Olivier Ramadour, Romain Fornell and Guillaume Gómez

Road to Gastronomika 2021

The unique and incomparable pairing of French and Spanish gastronomy will mark the agenda of Gastronomika 2021, which will be held in San Sebastian from 14-17 November. The 23rd edition will be focused on France and its gastronomy by the most important chefs at the moment. The perfect conditions in which Fundador Supremo and the chef Romain Fornell will be part, presenting to the entire sector the joining between this golden liquid from Jerez and French haute cuisine. Learn more about Fundador Supremo and its three special expressions in our website.

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Discover our most exclusive Sherry Casks

September, 2021

If you are a brandy lover, you have probably heard about the famous Sherry Casks, but do you know what are they, what are they used for and why are they so special? Find out everything you need to know about the world’s most acclaimed Sherry Casks in our article.

What does Sherry Cask mean?

Sherry Casks, also known as Sherry butts, are a fundamental part of the ageing process of many spirits, specially the famous Brandy de Jerez.

These casks, used by all the bodegas which are part of the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Denomination of Origin, have previously contained some of the sherry wines: Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez. In this way, and depending on the type of wine they have held, they will provide different characteristics to the liquid that will age, resulting in a product with its own personality.

What are Sherry Casks like?

These butts are made of American oak wood and have a capacity of 500 litres.

Their special characteristics make them the most suitable for the ageing process of brandy and other spirits, as the porosity of this type of wood is perfect for resisting the passage of time and absorbing the best nuances of the wine they contain.

One of the qualities that distinguishes our Sherry Casks from the others is that, in addition to being located in the oldest bodega in the Marco de Jerez, it is the oldest collection of casks in the region, in which, among other liquids, the three expressions of Fundador Supremo are aged in casks that have contained 12-year-old Pedro Ximénez, 15-year-old Amontillado and 18-year-old Oloroso, respectively.

What are Sherry Casks used for?

Sherry Casks are used for ageing Brandy de Jerez and other spirits such as Whisky and Rum, but what is so special about ageing in these casks?

Sherry casks, as their name indicates, are impregnated with sherry wines before being used for ageing other liquids, providing the best nuances of the wood for subsequent maturation. In this process, the inner layer of the casks is impregnated with the attributes of each wine, penetrating the interior of the oak wood and giving it particular characteristics to each type of cask; in other words, the type of seasoning that the Sherry Cask has, will provide different sensory qualities to the liquid that it will later contain. Moreover, time is key, as the longer this contact lasts, the more intense the transfer of components to the wood will be.

Sherry Casks give the brandy they contain a very special and characteristic sweetness and smoothness. The ageing process in our collection of Sherry Casks, butts to which very few liquids in the world have access, gives exclusivity to our products.

Discover the most exclusive Sherry Casks

Brandy de Jerez is elaborated exclusively in the Jerez area (municipalities of Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda) and, as explained above, it is aged in Sherry Casks, which differentiates it from other brandies, both national and international. Our bodega, Bodegas Fundador, is the oldest in Jerez - founded in 1730 - and it is where the first Spanish brandy, Fundador, was born. At Bodegas Fundador we have one of the largest collections of Sherry Casks in Jerez, which along with the experience and tradition that characterises us, makes our Sherry Casks the most acclaimed. Since 1874 we have united wisdom in the ageing of brandy and know-how in what, for us, is an art. Centuries of experience and knowledge in distilling brandy have led us to achieve excellence. It should be remembered that this is the birthplace of Fundador Supremo 18, a Prestige brandy aged in casks that have contained 18-year-old Oloroso, awarded as the Best Brandy in the World 2019. Expert tasters from different origins awarded us the top prize at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition, in which more than 100 brandies are competing every year.

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Surprised? If you want to know more about our brandies, we invite you to visit our website.

Sources used and linked to in this article Sherry Wines. Vinos De Jerez - The most versatile wines in the world. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/es/vinos-de-jerez. Accessed July 29. Sherry Wines. The history of Sherry Casks. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/es/sherry-cask/la-historia-de-los-sherry-casks. Accessed July 29. Sherry Wines. The history of the Sherry butt. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/es/sherry-cask/blog/la-historia-de-la-bota-de-jerez. Accessed July 29. Sherry Wines. The seasoning. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/es/sherry-cask/el-envinado. Accessed July 29. Sherry wines. The effect of wine on wood. Available at: https://www.sherry.wine/es/sherry-cask/el-efecto-del-vino-en-la-madera. Accessed July 29. Brandy de Jerez. Frequently Asked Questions. Available at: https://www.brandydejerez.es/nuestra-filosofia/brandy-de-jerez-faq. Accessed July 29.