Emilio LUSTAU - Red Vermouth
Bodegas Lustau is an iconic producer of Sherry in Andalusia, in the south of Spain. This prestigious house is globally recognized as one of the greatest specialists in fortified wine. Founded in 1896 by José Ruiz-Berdejo as an Almacenista, it also cultivated its own vineyards. At the time, Almacenistas typically purchased young wine (as Ruiz produced) which they patiently aged in their own soleras before reselling it to large houses, which often extended its aging or blended it with older wines. It was only from the 1950s that Ruiz's son-in-law, Emilio Lustau Ortega, began bottling and directly exporting his vintages under the Lustau brand. Now based in Jerez, this unique house has facilities in the three cities of the famous Sherry triangle: Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Lustau cultivates its grapes but also purchases a significant portion of its raw material. Among its vineyards are Montegilillo, planted on white albariza limestone soil typical of the region, and Las Cruces, located on sandy grounds near the coast.
Lustau Red Vermouth is a refined blend of two wines aged separately according to the traditional "Solera y Criaderas" method of Jerez: a dry Amontillado with delicate hazelnut notes made from the Palomino grape, and a sweet, intense Pedro Ximénez wine. For the infusion, carefully selected botanical herbs are used: sage, gentian, coriander, wormwood, and orange peel, providing a remarkable aromatic balance. This vermouth is perfect as an elegant aperitif, ideal to accompany olives, nuts, or other Mediterranean tapas. Served chilled, it is also enjoyed "on the rocks," garnished with an orange zest to enhance its natural aromas.
Grape varieties: Palomino, Pedro Ximénez
