BARON DE LEY TROPHY FOR SPANISH PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: EMILIO LUSTAU
Emilio Lustau, one of Sherry’s greatest bodegas, is named after Don Emilio Lustau Ortega, son-in-law of founder Don José Ruiz- Berdejo y Veyan – a secretary in the courts of justice. Don José, of French descent, founded the family firm in 1896 at his home in Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, but in the 1940s Don Emilio moved the firm to the Santiago district.
Emilio Lustau is now a leader in Sherry production. The revolution started in 1981, when the late Rafael Balao, then manager, introduced the Almacenista range of wines. This concept reflected the company’s origins, as Don José Ruiz- Berdejo y Veyan had originally been an almacenista – a storekeeper or stockholder of Sherry who sold the 
product of his soleras to Sherry firms. Under the management of Rafael Balao, Lustau became one of the most innovative companies in Jerez. Balao’s ideas combined tradition and innovation and carved the way for identifying Lustau with quality and prestige.
All Sherries produced at the bodega are now labelled as Emilio Lustau in foreign markets. This includes the Almacenista wines, and also a range of specialist limited editions and Solera Reserva Sherries. The Lustau Solera Reserva range was created from the original Lustau stocks from its beginnings as an almacenista. These stocks were joined by a fine selection of Sherries from different almacenistas, consisting of special wines from small independent producers, to be offered to select clients.
Lustau’s vocation has always been export orientated, with more than four-fifths of its wines, brandies and Sherry vinegars sent to 40 global markets. In June 2008, Lustau acquired historic former Domecq brands La Ina, Botaina, Río Viejo and Viña 25.
