General Description: Pedro Ximénez (often abbreviated as PX) is a white grape variety primarily used in the production of sweet, dessert-style Sherry in the Andalusia region of Spain, particularly in Jerez, Montilla-Moriles, and other DOs. The grapes are sun-dried after harvesting, a process known as “asoleo”, which concentrates their natural sugars before fermentation. This results in intensely sweet wines with flavours of dried fruits, molasses, and a characteristic thickness. PX wines are renowned for their deep, dark colour and viscous texture, offering a unique tasting experience that pairs well with desserts or serves as a dessert in itself.
Primary Flavours:
- Raisin
- Fig
- Date
- Molasses
- Chocolate
- Coffee
Taste Profile:
- Sweet-Dry: Very sweet
- Body: Full body
- Tannins: N/A (as it is a white wine)
- Acidity: Low to medium, which helps balance the sweetness
- ABV range: Typically between 15% to 18%
Handling: Pedro Ximénez wines should be served slightly chilled, at about 10°C to 14°C, to enhance their rich flavours without diminishing their viscous texture. Due to their high sugar content and alcohol levels, PX wines have an exceptional ability to age, developing even more complex flavours over time, including nutty and spicy nuances.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The intense sweetness and complexity of Pedro Ximénez make it an ideal match for a variety of desserts, especially those containing chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits. It can also be drizzled over ice cream for a decadent treat. In terms of savoury pairings, PX can complement blue cheeses, foie gras, and spiced or smoked meats, providing a sweet counterbalance to the savoury flavours.