Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva

Notes - Sánchez Romate Hnos SA first started releasing brandy in the late 19th century. The firm now has over 100 years of brandy-making experience. Regulated under the strict auspices of the Consejo Regulador - the Brandy de Jerez regulatory body - and the even stricter controls of the bodegas of Sánchez Romate Hnos SA itself, the Cardenal Mendoza brand surpasses these regulations with ease, making it one of the greatest and most sought after brandies in its category. Cardenal Mendoza is still made according to the unique traditions specific to Jerez de la Frontera.The first stage in ageing Cardenal Mendoza is to run the new spirit into special 250 litre American oak casks for two years of static ageing. It is then introduced to the dynamic ageing that makes Brandy de Jerez so unique the system of criaderas y soleras. For Mendoza this means 500 litre casks, which have previously been used for ageing pedro ximénez (PX) and old oloroso wines. The spirit is then continuously blended though the solera process for many years, until it is drawn off for bottling. "Cardenal Mendoza" Classico is a Solera Gran Reserva Brandy, the highest category recognised by the regulating council "Brandy de Jerez". The holandas of the highest quality from the alquitaras are aged using the traditional solera and criaderas method (2 añadas, 8 criaderas and one solera). The SGR is dark mahogany, luminous, clear and shiny in appearance. There are aromas of raisins and plums, espresso coffee and a touch of liquorice on the nose. The palate is sweet and fat with lots of dried fruit and more raisins. Distinctive, unique taste with a very cultured PX-influence and just enough bittersweet coffee and caramel to balance well. Well-balanced, long and nutty.
 
     

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