Cardenal Mendoza
Gran Solera
Reserva Brandy

Worldwide sales of Spanish brandies exceed those of Armagnac, yet surprisingly these extraordinary spirits remain somewhat unknown in the U.S. Fortunately, the learning curve is shallow. The most celebrated appellation of Spanish brandy—Brandy de Jerez— come from the southwest province of Andalusia, the same region that produces famed Jerez-Xeres Sherry. The brandies are hot commodities with aficionados because of their lavish bouquets and lush layered palates. Perched firmly atop the category is Cardenal Mendoza Gran Solera Reserva Brandy.

Founded in 1781, the prestigious house of Sánchez Romate devoted its first century perfecting Cardenal Mendoza, an exquisite Solera Gran Reserva brandy, the highest designation bestowed on a Brandy de Jerez. Its production begins by aging pot-distilled grape spirits for 2-years in oak casks used previously for Pedro Ximénez and old Oloroso wines. At that point, the young brandy is deemed ready to become a part of the bodega's solera, the region’s traditional method of maturing Sherry.

Among the legendary benefits of solera aging is maintaining the continuity of the brandy's character and preserving its noble lineage, which means that critically acclaimed Cardenal Mendoza has changed little since its debut in 1887. The brandy has a luminous, dark mahogany-hue, richly textured body and a rapturous bouquet of toffee, cinnamon, bittersweet coffee and plump raisins. Equally tempting is its complex, sherry-influenced palate and the flavors of plums, caramel, spice and roasted nuts. The finish is long and luscious.

Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva is incomparable—a sensational brandy at a remarkably affordable price.