Solera System of Spain

The Complex Spanish Soul

Welcome to Andalusia, the sunny heart of southern Spain, where the mystical solera aging process was born! This time-honored method gives life to sherries, brandies, and specialty sherry vinegars, creating the unmistakable flavors Spain is known for worldwide. It’s more than just aging—it's the perfect dance of terroir and tradition, bringing you rich, complex tastes that can only be achieved through the Solera System, where barrels are stacked in pyramids as product ages. 

In the Solera aging process, the youngest product is in the top barrel of the pyramid. Oldest barrels form the floor (solera) row, from which a portion of the product is taken to be bottled. That same amount of product is then taken from each of the higher casks and graduated to the barrel below and the aging processes continues.

Alluring Mystery & Harmony

Masters of solera aging are in it for the long haul, blending tradition and time, resulting in seductive masterpieces of complex flavors and aromas. Here’s how it works: The solera process is an intricate aging and fractional blending process, in which brandy from distilled sherry is progressively aged and blended in a network of varying vintages and barrels.

Product from older barrels encompasses bass notes of amber, spice, nut and caramel - derived from long contact with the barrels themselves and concentrated from evaporation through the porous wood casks. These barrels lend intense flavors and aromas that can range from deeply toasted, to spiced, and even to balsamic. Younger barrels pack a zestier punch, awash with bright fruit tones.

Solera masters know how to harness the vibrancy of the younger brandies to balance the deeper, more mature notes of older barrels. The result is a harmonious combination of complex flavors which dance on your palate. The goal? To create a perfectly balanced, consistent taste experience that excites the palate and soothes the soul, year after year. As a result of the constant blending of younger barrels into older barrels, products made according to the Solera System never carry a specific vintage date, rather they may be defined by an age range, ensuring every sip is a timeless expression of flavor.

vomFASS Solera Delights

Vinagre Viejo de Montilla is aged in the solera manner for 12 years and is of uncommon depth. It is considered a “semi-sweet” or “sweet and sour” vinegar, and is the Spanish equivalent of an Italian Balsamic. There are countless ways to incorporate Vinagre Viejo into your culinary style from salads to braises. Whenever a recipe calls for red wine vinegar, Vinagre Viejo is the ideal choice. This vinegar has a wonderful affinity for tomatoes and makes spectacular vinaigrette.

Palomino Vinegar Riserva isn’t just any vinegar—this is sherry vinegar, born exclusively in southern Spain and protected by its own Denomination of Origin. Aged for years in a solera system, our vomFASS Palomino Vinegar Riserva is a culinary gem. Its rich, layered bouquet will elevate wild game dishes, dark sauces, or even a classic Gazpacho. It’s bold, complex, and belongs in every foodie’s kitchen!

Fernández Brandy de Jerez is a celebration of flavor from the sherry triangle of Jerez. This Solera Gran Reserva Brandy is aged for 10 to 15 years, with luscious hints of crème brûlée and an irresistible smoothness. It’s a digestif to savor or a secret ingredient to elevate cocktails. 

Cheers to Tradition

This year marks the 30th year of delicious tasting experiences with vomFASS. Starting in Germany in 1994, and entering the US market with our store in Madison in 2008, vomFASS has become a global tasting sensation with its artisinal oils, vinegars and spirits. This week, vomFASS Madison invites you to experience the deep complexity that only traditional solera aging can bring and join us in a resounding "Cheers!"

Andalusian Ajo Blanco

Jerez Fizz