Bodegas Ximénez-Spínola is a boutique winery specializing in the production of sherry and brandy wines, one of the oldest in the Jerez de la Frontera region. Since its foundation in 1729, the Ximénez-Spínola family has followed three principles in the production of its spirits, including great sweet wines: "time, patience and the ability to sacrifice". Today, the tradition and quality of the winery are cultivated by the next generation, headed by Jose Antonio Zarzana.
The flagship and only grape variety of the vineyard, from which its outstanding wines are made, is Pedro-Ximenez. The limestone soils and the proximity of the ocean make PX more subtle and elegant in relation to the wines of Montilla Moriles.
Ximenez-Spinola demonstrate the extraordinary innovation of the vineyard and the great potential of the PX grape variety, and their wines can be found in the best star restaurants in the world.
Ximenez-Spinola PX Vintage is a very expressive and sweet dessert wine. It is made from hand-picked grapes, packed in 10-kilogram crates, which prevents them from being crushed prematurely. In the later process, the grapes are exposed to the sun for 21 days. This allows the grapes to dry out slowly and provides an elegant natural sweetness that distinguishes high-quality Pedro Ximénez from wines made using other processes.
The level of natural dehydration is very high - from every ton of fresh grapes only 300 kg of dried fruit remains, which after going to the press generate about 100 kg of solid waste (skins, seeds) and 200 liters of raisin must. Fermentation takes place in American oak barrels.
The wine is characterized by an intense amber-brown color. The smell evokes aromas of raisins, dried figs, vanilla and ripe dates and plums. In the mouth it is very velvety, even thick and balsamic, with integrated acidity. The taste coincides with aromatic notes - figs, dates and of course raisins predominate. We will also feel characteristic micro-oxidant and barrel-smoke nuances. Despite the considerable concentration and rich character, it remains fresh in relation to old wines of the Pedro-Ximenez variety. The aging potential is up to 50 years.
José Antonio Zarzana - Winemaker Ximenez Spinola, ninth generation of the Zarzana - Spinola family: "A whole year of work spent pruning the vines, taking care of the proper functioning of the vineyard, dreaming of rains, sun, moons and twilight. Finally, the grapes appear, gently drying under the sun. This work of nature in the form of that raisin juice does not need the help of the oak."
