Profile of Emilio Lustau Winery
Wine Map Sherry
Profile of Sherry Wine Region
Emilio Lustau is considered by many to be simply the best sherry winery in existence. Founded
in 1896, the winery was the first to coin the term "Almacenista" (and copyright it) to
describe special wines bought in from stockholders. Emilio Lustau describe the concept of
Almacenista wines as "An Almacenista is a stockholder who buys sherry or must from the farmers
and matures it in his/her own bodegas. Almacenistas did not have a licence from the Consejo
Regulador for bottling their own sherries. Traditionally these sherries were sent for
inclusion in the large commercial blends but it was Lustau who recognised that these sherries
all had strong individual merit." These Almacenista wines are nowadays the most sought after
wines in Sherry.
Lustau are key figures in the Wine Tourism sector in Spain, and are the first to create a
"wine club" (so common in California, absolutely unheard of in Spain until recently). "The
Almacenista Club is the brainchild of Don Luis Caballero, the Chairman of the House of Emilio
Lustau, the premium sherry producer in Jerez and Fortified Winemaker of the Year in The
International Wine Challenge of the Year 2002. He wanted to bring together like minded
individuals who all shared his love for sherry. The Emilio Lustau Sherry Club has been
established to promote global interest in Almacenista sherries. There are 6,500 members
worldwide." The beautiful cellars are also a pleasure to visit.
Wine Reviews
Manzanilla Papirusa -92 points
Oloroso de Jerez Angel Zamorano -94 points
Puerto Fino - 90 points
"Three brilliant sherries from Lustau, the dry, austere, intensely flavorful non-vintage Puerto
Fino exhibits a light green/amber color as well as notes of crushed sea shells, hazelnuts and spice.
This is top-notch Fino to consume over the next year.
Even more impressive is the superb non-vintage Manzanilla Parirusa. Its light straw color is accompanied
by a spicy, nutty nose, elegant, dry flavours, delicious purity, and a smoky intensity. It would be
fabulous with sushi. Drink it over the next year.
The outrageous non-vintage Oloroso Almacenista Angel Zamorano is believed to be between 30-40 years
of age. It possesses a medium amber colour, crisp acidity, dry, medium bodied flavours of tremendous
intensity offering smoke, nuts, molasses, and maple syrup, yet a dry finish. This is decadent as well
as luxurious stuff that must be tasted to be believed. Drink this beauty over the next few years."
- Robert Parker in Wine Advocate February 2003
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