Raw materials
Airén grapes (wine)
Seville bitter oranges
Lemons (Valencia)
Cardamom
Cloves
Brand
Cardenal
Explore the spirits, production style and story of Cardenal.
Cardenal Mendoza is a historic Brandy de Jerez brand produced by Bodegas Sánchez Romate in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia, Spain). Renowned for its Solera expressions and for the Angêlus liqueur based on brandy and citrus, the brand combines traditional methods with careful aging in American oak casks seasoned with sherry.
Brandy de Jerez
Brandy Solera
Brandy-based liqueurs
Historic Jerez winery
Producer range
Producer range Cardenal
Spirit categories
Brandy de Jerez
Brandy Solera
Brandy-based liqueurs
Historic Jerez winery
Representative products
Cardenal Mendoza (Clásico)
Carta Real (Solera Gran Reserva)
Non Plus Ultra
Nebulis
Angêlus (citrus liqueur) - Angelus Orange 70cl (boxed)
Casks and ageing vessels
American oak casks seasoned with Oloroso
American oak casks seasoned with Pedro Ximénez
Distillation and production
Distillation and production
Production method
Production is based on the distillation of wines (particularly from Airén grapes) to obtain the holandas, followed by management through the Solera & Criadera system across multiple levels (eight tiers: 7 criaderas + 1 solera) in American oak casks previously conditioned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez. Copper stills are used; for the Angêlus liqueur maceration and subsequent maturation in sherry‑impregnated casks are employed and, during processing, traditional techniques such as the Bain‑Marie method are applied in a historic distillery.
Distillation
Distillation in copper stills to obtain the holandas; at blending stage holandas at 42° are used and, for the Angêlus liqueur, maceration processes and the traditional Bain‑Marie method are employed in a historic distillery.
Ageing
Solera & Criadera system with multiple levels (7 criaderas + 1 solera); aging in American oak casks previously seasoned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez.
Producer history Cardenal
The Sánchez Romate family has roots in the Jerez area dating back to the 18th century; the winery traces to Sánchez Romate Hnos. (1781). The Cardenal Mendoza brand was created as the family's exclusive label in 1887 and has since developed into a range of Brandy de Jerez characterized by the Solera & Criadera aging system.
Production philosophy
The project merges respect for Jerez's local traditions (use of typical Sherry techniques and seasoned casks) with an international, quality‑oriented approach. The company aims to maintain organoleptic consistency and stability through the Solera while experimenting with complementary expressions and products such as brandy‑based liqueurs.
Territory
Jerez de la Frontera (Province of Cádiz), heart of the so‑called 'Sherry Triangle' in Andalusia, Spain.
Awards and recognitions
Carta Real: DLG Best Spirit 2015; Gold Meininger International Spirit Award 2015; Chairman Trophy Ultimate Spirit Challenge 2016.
Cardenal
This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.
On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.
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