Emilio Lustau

Error creating thumbnail:

Emilio Lustau S.A. is a renowned winery and sherry producer based in Jerez de la Frontera, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Founded in 1896 by José Ruiz-Berdejo, it was initially a modest family-owned operation. The business significantly expanded when Emilio Lustau Ortega, son-in-law of the founder, moved the winery to the old Santiago district in the 1920s, laying the foundation for the company's future growth. Today, Lustau is celebrated for its wide range of high-quality sherries, from dry varieties like Fino and Manzanilla to sweeter styles such as Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel.

History

The history of Emilio Lustau S.A. is deeply intertwined with the sherry tradition of the Jerez region. In 1896, José Ruiz-Berdejo began cultivating vines on his estate, Viña Suerta Alta, and started aging sherry in a small cellar. His efforts laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most prestigious sherry houses in Spain. In the 1920s, Emilio Lustau Ortega, married into the family, significantly expanded the business by acquiring a larger building in Jerez's historic Santiago district to serve as the winery's new headquarters. This move marked the beginning of Lustau's rise to prominence in the sherry industry.

Under the leadership of successive generations, Lustau has maintained its commitment to quality and innovation. The winery has been a pioneer in the production of Almacenista sherries, a term referring to small-scale stockholders who traditionally aged sherry for larger producers. Lustau bottles these unique sherries under its own label, offering connoisseurs a taste of the diverse styles and nuances of sherry from different corners of the Jerez region.

Products

Emilio Lustau offers an extensive portfolio of sherries, encompassing all the traditional styles. The range includes:

• Fino: A dry, pale sherry aged under a layer of flor yeast, known for its delicate almond aromas.
• Manzanilla: A variety of Fino sherry produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, characterized by its light, fresh taste.
• Amontillado: Aged first under flor and then exposed to oxygen, resulting in a sherry that combines the nuttiness of Fino with the richness of Oloroso.
• Oloroso: A rich and aromatic sherry, aged entirely without flor, noted for its dark color and complex flavors.
• Palo Cortado: A rare style that combines the aromatic complexity of Amontillado with the body of an Oloroso.
• Pedro Ximénez: A sweet sherry made from sun-dried grapes of the same name, offering flavors of raisins and figs.
• Moscatel: Another sweet sherry, made from Muscat grapes, known for its floral and citrus aromas.

In addition to these classic styles, Lustau has also been innovative in creating new products, such as the East India Solera, a sweet sherry that emulates the historical aging process of sherries transported by sea to the Americas and Asia.

Awards and Recognition

Emilio Lustau S.A. has received numerous awards and accolades for its sherries, underscoring its reputation as a producer of some of the finest sherries in the world. These awards highlight the company's dedication to quality and its role in promoting sherry on a global scale.

See Also

• Sherry
• Jerez de la Frontera
• Andalusia
• Wine
• Viticulture