Lustau East India Solera NV

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1896 by Don José Ruiz-Berdejo, Bodegas Lustau began as a small family-owned winery in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Initially focused on producing sherry wines, Lustau expanded its portfolio over the years to include a range of fortified wines and brandies. The winery is renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, utilizing the solera system for aging its products. Today, Lustau is recognized globally for its exceptional sherries and brandies, maintaining a balance between innovation and heritage.

Producer and Winemaker

Lustau’s sherries are crafted under the expertise of their dedicated team of enologists and cellar masters, who oversee the meticulous aging process. The production involves selecting high-quality Palomino and Pedro Ximénez grapes, fermenting them, and aging the wine in seasoned sherry casks. The team’s deep understanding of the solera system and the influence of sherry casks ensures the creation of complex and refined wines that reflect the character of Jerez.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The Palomino and Pedro Ximénez grapes used for Lustau’s sherries are sourced from vineyards in the Jerez region of Spain, known for its unique albariza soils and warm, sunny climate tempered by Atlantic breezes. This climate contributes to the grapes’ balanced sugar and acidity levels, ideal for sherry production. The aging process occurs in Jerez de la Frontera, where the microclimate provides the perfect conditions for maturation in sherry-seasoned casks.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Emilio Lustau East India Solera is a blend of approximately 80% Oloroso and 20% Pedro Ximénez sherries. Each component is aged separately in its own solera for 12 years. After blending, the resulting sherry is returned to a 45-cask solera for a further 3 years of aging in a specific part of the bodega that is slightly hotter and more humid than the rest. This method honors the 17th-century tradition of shipping sherry to the East Indies, where the wine developed additional complexity due to the voyage’s conditions.

Tasting Notes

The Lustau East India Solera exhibits a dark mahogany color with bronze hues. On the nose, it offers concentrated aromas of ripe fruits, mocha, cocoa, and toffee. The palate is sweet and full-bodied, featuring flavors of raisins, nuts, crystallized orange, and candied peel, with a clean acidity that balances the sweetness. The finish is long and complex, showcasing the wine’s depth and elegance.

Food & Wine Pairing

This sherry pairs excellently with a variety of desserts. Its rich and complex profile complements trifle, shortbread cookies, fresh field berries in cream, and chocolate mousse. It also serves as a refined after-dinner drink, enhancing the conclusion of a meal. For a traditional pairing, enjoy it alongside Spanish pastries or almond-based sweets, where its depth harmonizes with the sweet flavors.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic nuances and structural balance, serve the Lustau East India Solera at a temperature of 12–14°C (54–57°F). Using a white wine glass will allow the sherry to express its full bouquet. Allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can enhance its complexity. It can be enjoyed neat as a dessert wine.

Storage and Aging Potential

While the Lustau East India Solera is ready to enjoy upon release, it can be stored for several years without deterioration, provided it is kept upright in a cool, dark place away from temperature fluctuations. Unlike table wines, sherry does not significantly improve with bottle aging, but proper storage ensures the preservation of its quality and character over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 80% Palomino

• 20% Pedro Ximénez

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

20%

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 92 points

• Natalie MacLean: 95 points