Lustau Oloroso Emperatriz Eugenia

Lustau is one of the established houses of the Marco de Jerez, founded in the late nineteenth century. This is a Gran Reserva Oloroso, made from Palomino grown on the albariza chalk soils around Jerez, then fortified to around 20 percent and aged in American oak through the criaderas and soleras system. Above that strength the protective flor yeast cannot survive, so the wine ages oxidatively rather than biologically. Long contact with air slowly converts ethanol into acetaldehyde and concentrates the wine through evaporation, building the deep colour, the dried fruit and the savoury, nutty character typical of a long aged Oloroso. The solera fractionally blends younger and older wines, so the finished bottle carries the average of many years in cask. It pours dark gold, with aromas of walnut, hazelnut, toasted oak and dried orange peel. The palate is dry and broad, weighty without sweetness, with roasted nuts, a faint bitterness and a long saline finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 13 to 14 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits hard nutty cheeses, mushroom dishes and roast poultry.