Gonzalez Byass Lepanto Pedro Ximenez Solera Gran Reserva Brandy de Jerez (700ml)

In present day Spain there are two regions with Denominacion Origin (DO) controlled brandy production and the spirit must be aged in the Jerez region in Andalucía, or the Penedès region in Catalonia to qualify for certification. For the former, most of the grapes grown are Airen and Palomino and distillation actually takes place in La Mancha, after which the distillate is transported via tanker trucks for maturation in Jerez.

Brandy from Jerez is a national favourite and anyone visiting Spain is bound to come across it. Here the Sherry bodegas mature the lions share of it which makes sense, as they already own the barrels to do it. Ageing usually takes place in 500 litre American oak casks, previously having contained any type of Sherry wine for at least three years.

Just like Scotch Whisky production which traditionally favoured maturation in x Sherry casks, these barrels also make a significant flavour contribution to the ageing process of brandy. Thus, Fino casks will produce brandy which is paler, typically featuring vanilla, fresh fruits and grilled nut characteristics; oloroso casks may lend aromas of walnut, plum, and figs; Pedro Ximenez casks will infuse sweet dried fruit notes and impart a darker colour, and so on. Solera systems are the norm.

"Lepanto" is produced from Palomino grapes grown in the Gonzalez Byass vineyards located in the best areas of Jerez. Grapes are picked early to obtain high acidity and an alcoholic level between 10-12% ABV. The young brandy spends its first 12 years ageing in oak casks previously used for Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, followed by 3 years in casks previously used for ageing sweet Pedro Ximenez.

Tasting note: Deep copper with brassy-gold edges showing excellent purity. Evocative opening scents of pancake, dates and dilute maple syrup, developing with suggestions of raisin cake, figs and coffee bean after more air contact. A silky, semi sweet entry leads into a light to middle-weight delivery with tempered sweetness, building with flavours of dates, cocoa and fruit cake towards the finish, to end delicately with the sweetness nicely balanced. Traces of vanilla, golden syrup and almonds in the fade. Very mellow. Easy drinking. 36% Alc./Vol.