In 1887 the owners of Sánchez Romate Hermanos began to make a unique, different brandy for their own consumption. The quality soon earned increasing fame and the winery decided to market it with the name Cardenal Mendoza.
This name pays tribute to Pedro González de Mendoza (1423-1495), a historical figure who played a crucial role in the conquest of the Muslim kingdom of Granada and especially in the discovery of America, as he interceded on behalf of Christopher Columbus’ project before the Catholic Monarchs.
Bright, transparent, of dark mahogany colours. Round, clean, elegant, winey aromas. Long, warm and balanced on the mouth, with no harsh edges. With personality, a harmony of subtle flavours and an intense finish of raisins and plums.
This is Cardenal Mendoza Clásico, a Solera Gran Reserva brandy made from a selection of the finest distilled holandas, or wine spirits, which are aged using the traditional ‘steps and ladders’ system. The casks used to age Cardenal Mendoza, which are previously treated with oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry, make up one of the largest Solera Gran Reserva ageing cellars – a guarantee of this brandy’s age and quality.
At the end of the 18th century, the busy streets of Jerez de la Frontera was proof of the bustling activity in the city, which was thriving thanks to the exports of its renowned wines.
The wine sector’s boom attracted merchants from near and afar. However, it was a Spaniard, Juan... Sánchez de la Torre, who established the foundations of the firm Sánchez Romate Hermanos, one of the few remaining wineries in the Jerez Designation of Origin which is still in the hands of local owners.
In addition to achieving market recognition for the quality of his wines, Juan Sánchez de la Torre soon earned the appreciation of his fellow Jerez inhabitants: this wine-producer was restless, educated and a man of his time – the Age of Enlightenment – who lent firm support to progress in education and the arts in Jerez.
Over time, the winery grew and adapted to the successive technical advances that were taking place while maintaining their respect for traditional methods. Over a century after its founding, the firm reached a milestone when in 1887 the fourth generation of the Sánchez Romate decided to create an exclusive brandy for the family and their closest circle of friends. This was the beginning of Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva, the firm’s flagship brand.
While maintaining their independence up to today, the winery has witnessed other important events in during its history. For example, in 1909 they were appointed as Official Purveyor to the House of Lords in the United Kingdom and shortly afterwards, in 1917, they were appointed as Official Purveyors to the Sacred Apostolic Palace of the Vatican.
Today, the wines and brandies of Sánchez Romate maintain their international spirit, with a firm commitment to expansion across the rest of the world.
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