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!