Obituary: Manuel Lozano

Tributes have been paid to dedicated and hugely respected Sherry maker, Manuel Lozano, who died suddenly yesterday.

The winemaker at Bodegas Lustau for 17 years, it was announced yesterday morning (26 April) that the 61-year old had passed away.

Born in Jerez to restaurateur parents, Lozano apparently became interested in wine from a young age – naturally with a preference for Sherry.

Having completed his studies in viticulture and oenology he honed his skills at various bodegas before joining Lustau in 1999.

Responsible for the entire production process from vineyard to cask for the companies range of Sherries and brandies, his expertise and dedication was widely recognised by both the local and international trades.

He was named ‘Best Fortified Winemaker’ at the IWC competition seven consecutive times – an unprecedented and so far unsurpassed achievement.

He was likewise named ‘Best Sherry Producer’ at the IWSC competition in 2014 and, under his direction, Lustau was ranked in Wine & Spirits magazine’s top 100 wineries of 2015 as well as the winery being ranked eighth in the world last year by the World Association of Wine Writers and Journalists.

In a statement, Lustau said: “The dedication and love that ‘Manolo’ professed for Sherry will be his legacy, unforgettable, all of his success and numerous accolades forever remembered.

“As the leading winemaker at Lustau for 17 years, by his own merits, he achieved a seat among the world’s best winemakers.

“All of us that have had the blessing of working with him today miss his presence tremendously and with profound admiration and affection we convey our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

“Hasta siempre maestro.”