Description

The William pear brandy from Domaine Brana is made using pears from orchards surrounding the estate in the Basque Country. This proximity and the close relationship with the fruit growers allows 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. Serve well chilled at a temperature of 5–6°C.

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.