Description
The crystal-clear William pear brandy from Domaine Brana is made from pears grown in orchards surrounding the estate in the Basque Country. This proximity and the close relationship with the fruit growers allow for a careful selection of the fruit. The crystal-clear nose reveals the very pure character of the William pear. The attack is both lively and elegant. The palate develops with lovely intensity, giving the impression of biting into the fruit, before giving way to a smooth, refined and long finish. Best served well chilled at a temperature of 5–6°C.
Production of Brana’s Cristalline William Pear Brandy
Production
The pears, once they have reached their peak of ripeness, are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The pear wine is then stored away from the air to ensure it remains unaltered prior to distillation. Distillation takes place in red copper pot stills using the ‘repasse’ method, a slow process allowing for strict controls that greatly enhance the quality and finesse of the brandy.
One of the secrets lies in the maceration and the choice of alcohol used to macerate the pears, which must be of the utmost freshness. This maceration is periodically monitored and stirred until the moment is right for distillation. Maceration that is too long or, conversely, too short is
detrimental to the desired quality. Distillation then takes place using red copper stills under the watchful eye of the patient distiller, Martine Brana.
Ageing
The William pear brandy is aged in stainless steel vats to preserve the fruit’s freshness. The development of the esters is monitored regularly until the optimum maturity for bottling is reached. See the estate’s profile
The legendary Brana pear
It all began in 1897, when Pierre-Étienne Brana set up a wine merchant’s business in Ustaritz. His son, Jean, continued the business, establishing himself in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. In 1974, his son Étienne set up the new distillery and planted an orchard of Williams pear trees to create Poire Brana. It quickly established itself among the finest wine merchants and Michelin-starred restaurants. It remains a flagship product of Maison Brana, which boasts many others. In the spirits sector, Martine Brana, daughter of Étienne and Adrienne, is continuing the distillery’s legacy, having moved to Ossès in July 2018. The three copper stills also produce brandies made from Irouléguy pomace, crystalline Ente plums and plums aged in oak barrels. These complement Poire Brana.
An extensive range
The range has also been expanded to include a Corsican clementine brandy. Gin was added to the Brana range in 2018 with a version featuring Espelette pepper and another with lime. And of course, there are the wines of Jean Brana, Martine’s brother. A committed winemaker, he is among those who have helped raise Irouléguy wines to the highest standards.
(Source: Sud-Ouest)
