Brandy is one of the great universal beverages. It has a long tradition in Spain, and our country is one of the major producers and consumers worldwide.
95% of Spanish brandy is Brandy de Jerez, one with a special designation and Regulatory Board. Brandies are also produced in Catalonia, Castilla la Mancha, Rioja, Basque Country, Murcia, Andalusia, Galicia, etc.
Brandy distillation is similar to other distillation processes but the raw ingredients are grapes rather than grain. Spanish brandy is a spirit containing 36 to 45 percent alcohol obtained from distilled spirits of wine, aged in oak barrels giving it its caramel coloring.
TYPES OF BRANDY
There are three types of Brandy in Spain:
Brandy Solera:
It is the youngest and fruitiest type with an average age of a year and a volatile content greater than 150 mg. per 100cc.de.of alcohol.
Brandy Solera Reserve:
This brandy has an average maturation period of three years and a total content of volatile components of 200 mg. per 100cc.of alcohol.
Brandy Solera Gran Reserve:
This brandy has the longest maturation process with an average of ten years and a total content of volatile components of 250 mg. per 100cc.de.of alcohol.