Pedro Ximénez `El Candado`
Valdespino Jerez Spain

Style: Sherry, rich and sweet

Tasting Note: This delicious Pedro Ximenez has a liquid Christmas cake character, great depth and complexity, lovely flick of acidity on the finish which serves to emphasise the unctuous sweetness and flavours of dried fig and raisins.  Smooth with a sumptuous and lingering finish.

Grape: Pedro Ximénez

Vintage: Non-Vintage

Food Pairing: Must be tried poured over vanilla ice cream! Other delicious combinations are- dark chocolate brownies and aromatic blue cheeses.

Producer: Valdespino. Winemaker: Eduardo Ojeda

Valdespino is one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez, with a history of Sherry production going back six centuries. Back in 1264, Alfonso Valdespino was one of 24 knights who fought against the Arabs for the city of Jerez with King Alfonso X. As a reward for his efforts, he was given the land that formed the basis of the bodega. Today Valdespino belongs to the Estevez family, who purchased the bodega in 1999. They own 750 hectares of vineyards in Jerez, including the renowned ‘Macharnudo’ Pago. This vineyard ownership allows Valdespino very close control over grape quality. They are one of the few bodegas to make single-vineyard Sherries and are also renowned for their VOS (Very Old Sherry) with over 20 years of ageing and VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) with over 30 years of ageing.

Region: Jerez, Andalucia

Country: Spain

Bottle Size: 75cl, 37.5cl

ABV: 17%

Oak: Once the PX is fortified to 17% using grape spirit, it is fed into the ‘El Candado’ solera system in the Valdespino bodega. It ages oxidatively in the old American oak barrels for around 10 years, during which time it is fractionally blended through the four different ‘criaderas’.

Organic: No

Vegan Friendly: Yes

Vegetarian Friendly: Yes

Residual sugar: 400 g/l

Press/Review: Gold Sommelier Wine Awards 2017, Gold Sommelier Wine Awards 2016

Serving Temperature: 12 ºC and 14ºC