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Pedro Ximénez sweet wines

Wines made with Pedro Ximénez grape

The Pedro Ximénez or PX is a naturally sweet wine made from the grape of the same name. Its production method makes It one of the sweetest wines, and its long aging process concentrates those sugars even more. However, this wine is also fresh and balanced on the palate thanks to its acidity.

History of Pedro Ximénez

Contrary to the unlikely story that claims this variety originated in the Rhine Valley, Pedro Ximénez is actually a Mediterranean variety, originating in the south. It is also known as Alamís, Alamís de Totana, Ximén, Ximéncia and Ximénez. In the 7th century, the Arabs named it “golden drop” and DNA tests have shown that this grape is a descendant of the Arabian Gibi table grape and that it is a distant relative of Extremadura’s Alarije variety. Tests have also found that the Corinto Blanco variety is a seedless mutation of Pedro Ximénez. Currently, most Pedro Ximénez vineyards are located in the Montilla Moriles region.

The Pedro Ximénez variety is one that needs plenty of sun and is very sensitive to fungal diseases and the humid climate because it has very thin skin. The clusters are quite large and quite compact. This grape produces high quality wines, especially fortified wines, both dry and sweet.

Pedro Ximénez production

To make Pedro Ximénez, the grapes are harvested and then naturally dried in the sun for a few days to concentrate sugars and acidity. This process is called “asoleo”, or drying in the sun. They are then pressed and the resulting must is extremely concentrated in sugars with a certain amount of colour. This must is only partially fermented. Finally, it is topped up with wine alcohol and undergoes an exclusively oxidative aging process that can last decades. As it ages, the wine and its aromas become more concentrated. The end result is an extremely complex and concentrated wine. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

It is worth mentioning that many of the barrels used to age Pedro Ximénez are later used to make Scottish or Irish whisky. This gives whisky certain aromas as well as sweet and fruity touches.

Pedro Ximénez tasting notes, pairing and serving

Pedro Ximénez has a more or less intense ebony colour with iodine reflections and a pronounced tear.

On the nose it reveals a great wealth of aromas, sweet hints of dried fruits, raisins, figs and dates, as well as liquorice, honey, fruit compote and candied fruit. This is all accompanied by aromas from the aging process like roasted notes of coffee, chocolate or cocoa.

On the palate they are very voluminous, velvety and unctuous. The acidity balances the intense sweetness and the high alcohol content. These are very long and extremely persistent wines.

Because of the high sugar content, it is best enjoyed as a dessert or as an accompaniment to desserts that are not too sweet.

To appreciate its full potential, serve at around 10-12ºC in a catavinos, the typical glass used for Jerez wines.

Leading Pedro Ximénez producers

Some of the most prestigious Pedro Ximénez producers are:

-Toro de Albalá: This winery was founded in 1922 and is located in Aguilar de la Frontera, DO Montilla Moriles, in the southwest of the province of Córdoba. It is also well-known because some of its Pedro Ximénez wines have spent decades in barrels and some have been awarded 100 Parker points.

-Alvear: Located in the DO Montilla Moriles, this winery was founded in 1729. It is currently one of the most prestigious wineries in Andalusia. The winery has several cellars to age the wines and some of its soleras are said to be over 200 years old.

-Lustau: A Jerez de la Frontera winery founded in 1896 by a man who started as a stockkeeper and then turned his hand to making and bottling his own wines. Today they own 3 wineries in Marco de Jerez, Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Puerto de Santa María. Both the winery and its wines have received numerous international awards.

-Ximénez Spínola: This is one of the oldest family wineries in Jerez de la Frontera. The first wines date back to 1726. They have always been known for their Pedro Ximénez wine and for producing a low quantity but very high quality.

Now you know a little more about Pedro Ximénez, why not enjoy them in all their complexity by serving them alongside dessert!

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Type of grape: Pedro Ximénez

Alvear Pedro Ximénez Sacristía 2008

Spain D.O. Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia)

A rather complex sweet wine synonymous with undisputed quality
Alvear Pedro Ximénez...
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92

Parker

Price
€28.39
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Alvear Pedro Ximénez 1927

Spain D.O. Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia)

A sweet wine from the winery’s oldest solera
Alvear Pedro Ximénez 1927
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96

Parker

93

Decántalo

93

Peñín

Price
€12.64
  • New

Alvear Px de Añada 2023

Spain D.O. Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia)

An innovative single-vintage Pedro Ximénez
Alvear Px de Añada 37,5 cl....
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€12.11
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Valdespino Pedro Ximénez El Candado

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

A sweet, intense and fruity Pedro Ximenez wine
Valdespino Pedro Ximénez El...
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90

Parker

91

Decántalo

92

Atkin

92

Peñín

Price
€15.29
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Don PX 2023

Spain D.O. Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia)

A sweet temptation
Don PX 2023
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Price
€15.58
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Don Px Convento Selección 1964

Spain D.O. Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia)

A wine of two generations
Don Px Convento Selección 1964
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99

Parker

98

Suckling

Price
€296.90
  • New

Williams & Humbert Don Guido PX VOS 50cl

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

A very old Pedro Ximénez with a nice natural sweetness
Williams & Humbert Don...
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91

Parker

94

Decántalo

91

Atkin

94

Peñín

Price
€29.88
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Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

A sumptuous sweet wine crafted from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes.
Lustau Pedro Ximénez San...
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92

Suckling

94

Peñín

92

Decanter

Price
€16.86
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González Byass Néctar Pedro Ximénez

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

Generous nectar of Mediterranean flavours
González Byass Néctar Pedro...
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90

Decántalo

91

Peñín

95

Decanter

Price
€8.26
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Osborne Venerable Pedro Ximenez VORS

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

A sweet wine from 1902 worthy of adoration
Osborne Venerable Pedro...
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92

Parker

97

Atkin

97

Peñín

Price
€61.45
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Colosía Pedro Ximénez

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

Colosía Pedro Ximénez
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89

Parker

91

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90

Peñín

Price
€23.14
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Noé Pedro Ximénez VORS

Spain D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (Andalusia)

An exquisite Oloroso crafted by the esteemed oenologist Antonio Flores.
Noé Pedro Ximénez VORS
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91

Parker

97

Atkin

94

Peñín

97

Decanter

Price
€75.04
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Málaga Virgen

Spain D.O. Málaga-Sierras de Málaga (Andalusia)

Naturally sweet, deliciously old
Málaga Virgen
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Price
€8.51
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