Description
Pedro Ximénez (often abbreviated as PX) is a sweet, fortified wine primarily produced in Spain, especially in the regions of Jerez (Sherry) and Montilla-Moriles. It is made from the Pedro Ximénez grape, which is sun-dried to concentrate its sugars before fermentation. The result is a wine that is intensely sweet, rich, and dark, with a syrupy texture.
Often described as "dessert in a glass," PX wines are bursting with flavors of raisins, molasses, dried figs, caramel, chocolate, and nuts like toasted almonds or hazelnuts. The wine’s sweetness is balanced by its complex and layered profile, making it a luxurious treat for the palate. Its appearance is equally enticing, typically dark brown or black with a glossy, dense consistency that clings to the glass.
There are many ways to enjoy Pedro Ximénez. It can be savored on its own as a dessert or an after-dinner indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with foods like blue cheese, vanilla ice cream, or rich chocolate desserts. Additionally, PX is often used as an ingredient to drizzle over sweets or to enhance sauces, thanks to its thick, syrupy nature.
One of the most interesting aspects of Pedro Ximénez wine is how it achieves its deep, concentrated sweetness. The grapes are dried under the sun in a process called "asoleo," which turns them into raisin-like clusters before they are pressed. This traditional method creates a unique and powerful wine experience that is perfect for special occasions or for those who love rich, sweet flavors. If you’re trying it for the first time, start with a small pour—it’s an indulgence you won’t forget!
The Toro Albala 1980 Don PX is a sweet and elegant wine, produced from the “asoleo” process of Pedro Ximénez grapes to obtain a great richness in sugars. After the press, it was left to rest for 12 months and, when the period came to an end, it was stored in American oak butts to age for more than 20 years.
Don PX are the signature wines from Toro Albala. Each one of them is taken care of with exclusivity, from the harvest to the raisining, obtaining a unique personality.
TASTING NOTES
· Sight: Dark mahogany, slow movement in glass.
· Aroma: Raisined fruits (grapes, plums and dates). Notes of sweet spices like cinnamon and memories of cookies, in addition to citric and wood aromas.
· Taste: Very balanced, sweet, acid with a light and elegant bitter touch.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Excellent with mature cheeses, foie, chocolate desserts and nuts.
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Reviews
Luiz Gutierrez, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 97 Points.
The 1980 Don PX Selección is said to come from a warm and dry year that favored the raisining of the Pedro Ximénez grapes. This has lots of candied fruit and spice and combines the 17% alcohol with a whopping 340 grams of residual sugar. This aged in American oak butts until its bottling in September 2018. It surprised me with a complex and somewhat savory nose, reminiscent of bitter chocolate, licorice and roasted coffee, carob beans and black pepper. It's super concentrated, dense and pungent, with a savory component, meaning the sugar is not as noticeable as you might think. It came through as complex and layered, very complete and intense. There are 4,600 bottles and 60 magnums of this.