Brandy de Jerez: description, reviews

Brandy de Jerez is a certain kind of brandy made from sherry and has a unique production technology. As for geography, this type of drink is produced in Spain on the territory of the so-called "Sherry Triangle" (province of Cadiz). According to statistics, such brandy is the most popular Spanish alcoholic beverage. This country is in the first place in the world for its production.

Differences

The sherry brandy differs from its "fellow" in that its manufacture takes place in a strictly limited area. The production of sherry brandy is subject to strict rules, regulations and centuries-old traditions.

The production of this drink provides a long exposure in special, made from American oak barrels. And in these barrels to brandy must be a couple of years to mature sherry wine. Depending on the storage capacity of the wine, the color of the brandy will change afterwards. If the barrels had a light sherry (Fino), then eventually the brandy will have a more light golden hue. If it was dark (Pedro Jimenez, Oloroso or Crim), then, respectively, the drink will turn into a deeper brown shade.

The volume of barrels is also strictly regulated and should not exceed 500 liters. Unfair producers, deciding to save on production time, take barrels up to 1000 liters. Experts say that with this approach, sherry brandy loses significantly in taste. The taste of the finished product will not be so strong and saturated.

History of appearance

Like all ingenious, Spanish sherry brandy appeared purely by chance. The legend says that for unknown reasons a ship traveling from Holland refused to take on board a batch of wine distillate. Spanish winemakers, not knowing what to do, found empty barrels from under the sherry and poured the contents of the whole lot. After, as often happens, we completely forgot about what was done.

For several years there were barrels from under the sherry, filled with wine distillate, on the pier. One of the sailors decided to open them and try the contents. As a result, people received a true drink of the gods. Heresy brandy was tart, rich and strong. Wine spirit evaporated, leaving an elegant and pleasant taste.

The name of the drink "brandy" goes back to the 16th century and means "fire wine". Initially, the wine distillate was used only for making infusions or liquors. Later, the Spaniards immediately seized on the idea of producing an unusual drink and do not let it go until now, being leaders in this area of the wine industry.

Production features

For the production of wine, which is later called to become the best brandy in the world, the grape varieties Ayren or Palomino are used. Wine is launched into special distillation cubes, which work continuously. To get a quality drink you need alcohol, distilled in special units - alquitaras. As you know, a good brandy contains a minimum of 45 degrees of alcohol. But during production, high temperatures are used, and at the output a degree of alcohol is very high. In this connection, only the middle fraction is used for production.

After that, the alcohol level in the wine distillate is 70-90 percent. To obtain vintage exclusive options, the distillate is placed in oak barrels. In natural conditions, without the use of auxiliary resources, by simple evaporation, the percentage of alcohol in the future of brandy is reduced. The usual brandy is diluted with water so that the indicator is 44-45 degrees. Luxury drinks do not dilute. Just waiting for the alcohol content to fall naturally.

Only in Jerez is used not only a unique technology, which produces sherry brandy and other varieties, but also a special process of "growing" a drink. To create the ideal sherry brandy barrels are put in a special way: from below - a new crop, on top - more aged alcohol.

After "ripening" it is poured into bottles. In the process of overflowing, parts from several barrels are taken into the container. This process is called "extraction". As a result winemakers receive an amazing drink, consisting of several varieties of grapes of different harvest years.

It is important to note that the barrels are never fully emptied. It takes only some of the product, and in return later, alcohol is added from the containers, in which the products obtained from the new crop are stored. This is called "rocio".

Types of sherry brandy

Sour brandy can belong to one of three main categories. Everything will depend on the exposure time:

• Brandy de Jerez Solera (aging - six months, amber color, vanilla smell).
• Brandy de Jerez Solera Rezerva (aging - one year or more, dark color, complex flavor bouquet).
• Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Rezerva (aging - more than three years, complex bouquet, fragrant and long aftertaste).

How to choose brandy

As the professional winemakers say, among the huge variety of varieties of this drink a person will always find the kind that will conquer it. Someone like light brandy, someone - dark. Someone prefers a sweetish taste, but someone likes it more completely dry. They say that each species has its own unique taste and hue, depending on the barrel in which it was stored, and the holding time. Advised to choose Spanish brandies, reviews about which are exceptionally positive. People who are knowledgeable will not advise a bad option.

How to drink sherry brandy

Transparent glass of thin glass. Usually, these glasses are also used to feed cognac. They are not too deep, but they are quite large in size. How much to pour into a glass? Pour should be so that when laying it on a table in a horizontal position the drink does not pour.

Specialists do not advise to immediately start tasting. The drink should stand for a few minutes in a glass. Only after that he will fully share with you his exquisite aroma, taste and aftertaste.

The most famous manufacturers of sherry brandy

Williams & Humbert. The company was founded in 1877. According to experts, it is considered the main authority in the production of this drink. The sherry brandy of this company is distinguished by a vanilla smooth taste.

Gonzales Byass. The company was founded more than one hundred and seventy years ago. Tio Pepe is a brand of sherry brandy, which is one of the most popular in the world. The firm produces both young varieties used for making cocktails, as well as saturated drinks with a long exposure.

Sanchez Romate. The company began its work in 1781. It is the oldest company producing this drink. Thanks to centuries of experience in the production of brandy of this company are distinguished by a rich, noble taste, amazing exquisite aroma and the highest quality.

Cocktails with the addition of sherry brandy

Sour brandy is a drink, as they say, an amateur. Some call blasphemy mixing it with something, others can not use it in its pure form. If you belong to the second category, then we offer a few simple recipes for cocktails with brandy.

• With Coca-Cola: one piece of sherry brandy, two - "Cola". You can add a few ice cubes.
• With cocoa: one part of the main drink, two parts of chilled cocoa, ice.
• With orange juice: one part brandy, two parts freshly squeezed orange juice.
• With lemon and sugar: three parts of sherry brandy, one part of lemon juice, one spoonful of sugar.