Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa Sherry Solera Reserva

Papirusa is a light, bone-dry manzanilla with crystalline freshness and oceanic saltiness. It evokes coastal breezes, chamomile florals, and green apple in a delicate but bracing profile that dances at the edge of austerity and charm.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Papirusa is part of Lustau’s Solera Familiar collection, produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda under the D.O. Manzanilla de Sanlúcar. It is aged biologically under flor (yeast veil) in the humid, maritime microclimate of Sanlúcar, influenced heavily by sea air and humidity.

The wine is made from 100% Palomino grapes and incorporates solera and criaderas systems of different vintages to maintain consistency and complexity. On average, the wine is matured about 5 years under flor prior to release.

Because flor remains active, oxidative aging is minimal, preserving brightness, flor character, and fresh acidity. The solera blending ensures a balance of youthful freshness and deeper aged nuance.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Brisk and sea-sprayed: saline breeze, chamomile, green apple, and hay. Flor yeast aromas lend subtle brioche or fresh bread character, while very faint fennel or herbs may peek through.

Palate: Lean, crisp, and dry. Flavors of green apple peel, lemon zest, and almond mingle with saline minerality. The flor influence gives a light savory edge. The wine is delicate but etched, with subtle herbal or hay tones behind the fruit core.

Finish: Clean, lingering, and saline. The aftertaste recedes gracefully, leaving a chalky dryness, pinch of sea salt, and floral whisper (chamomile or white blossom).

Quick Overview

Robert Parker 92 Points: "The non-vintage Light Manzanilla Papirusa Solera Reserva (with an average age of five years in this solera) possesses an extraordinary, penetrating nose of salty brined nuts intermixed with crisp fruit, terrific acidity and intense, powerful, authoritative flavors that are ethereal in their lightness."