Curiosities of Jerez Brandy: guide to a tradition that is felt in every glass

Jerez Brandy is not “just another one”. It is born linked to a very specific place, to barrels that once stored wines from Marco and to a way of aging that, more than a process, seems like a rhythm: that of time moving inside the winery.
If you have ever wondered what Jerez Brandy is or why there is so much talk about criaderas and soleras, here is a clear guide to understand what makes it so special… and so enjoyable.

What is Jerez Brandy?

Generally, the brandy is a distilled wine (or wine products) that is aged to gain complexity, smoothness and aromatic depth.

In the case of Jerez Brandy, there is a key that changes everything: its aging must be carried out in oak barrels previously seasoned with Jerez wines, following the traditional system of Criaderas and Solera (or, in specific cases, through vintages).

This “triangle” —origin, seasoned barrel and solera system— explains why its profile is usually more rounded, with enveloping aromas and a particularly friendly texture in the mouth.

Does it have a designation of origin?

Although colloquially it is said “designation of origin”, Jerez Brandy is protected by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) with its own set of conditions and a historical regulatory framework that recognizes the Specific Denomination “Brandy de Jerez” and its Regulatory Council:

• The aging area is limited to the so-called Jerez Triangle: Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
• The brandies covered must be released for consumption with an acquired strength equal to or greater than 36% vol.

How Jerez Brandy is made: the Criaderas and Solera system

Here is the heart of the process: a dynamic aging that seeks balance, continuity and character.

1) Raw material: wine distillates

The specifications contemplate distillates of different strengths (including holandas, spirits and other higher strength distillates), which are then integrated according to the desired style.

2) Aging in seasoned barrels (Sherry Cask)

The wood does not act as a simple container. The barrels or sherry cask they have been “educated” previously with wines from the Marco de Jerez (wine-soaked), leaving a recognizable aromatic trace: vinous, spicy and toasted nuances that integrate over time.

3) Criaderas and Solera: aging with movement

Instead of aging statically, the liquid is organized by scales: criaderas (younger) and solera (the oldest). Through sacas and rocíos, the whole is refined and a constant profile is maintained.

Enological curiosity: this system not only seeks consistency. It also favors a progressive integration of alcohol with wood and wine-soaking, providing a final sensation that is more polished and silky.

What differentiates Brandy de Jerez?

If we compare it with a “generic” brandy, there are three clear differential features:

• The brandy de Jerez is a Spanish brandy with its own origin and method: its brandy de Jerez making process requires aging in the Marco de Jerez de la Frontera and under a traditional system.
• While a brandy can age in “neutral” oak, Brandy de Jerez is characterized by the use of wine-soaked barrels, which provides a warmer and more vinous aromatic trace.
• The great technical difference lies in the criaderas and soleras: a dynamic aging that mixes ages and rounds off the profile, giving a smoother and more balanced texture in the mouth.
  

That’s why, when you’re looking for a drink from Jerez with identity, Brandy de Jerez stands out against other styles of brandy for its origin and aging.

How many types of Brandy de Jerez exist?

According to the specifications, the categories are established by average aging time:

• Solera: average aging of more than 6 months.
• Solera Reserva: average aging of more than 1 year.
• Solera Gran Reserva: average aging of more than 3 years.

In addition, the specifications contemplate:

• Qualified age (for example: “Solera 12 years”, “Solera 15 years”…).
• Vintage Brandy: aged without mixing with others of different age for more than 12 years.

And what role does Fundador play in this tradition?

Spain has many houses with history and journey within the universe of Jerez. But if we talk about a emblematic reference, capable of uniting origin, craft and a more current way of enjoying, Fundador occupies a special place.

Not only for its link with Jerez and the evolution of this category in our country, but because that way of understanding aging —the influence of wine-soaked barrels and the patient work of the soleras— is perceived in the result: warm aromas, a soft texture and a character that invites to discover the tradition from a more modern perspective.