Valdespino Pedro Ximénez El Candado

Valdespino is one of the oldest and most respected bodegas in the D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry in Cádiz, and El Candado is its Pedro Ximénez. Before pressing, the harvested Pedro Ximénez bunches go through the traditional asoleo, laid out on mats in the Andalusian sun to dry. The grapes shrivel to near raisins, which drives off water and concentrates the sugars to an extreme degree, leaving only a small amount of dark, sweet must. After a partial fermentation the wine is fortified and then aged oxidatively in the solera system, where wine of different ages is gradually blended through stacked oak butts. Slow contact with air and old wood deepens the colour to near black and builds the layered caramel, coffee and dried-fruit character that defines the style. The nose is intense, with raisin, date, dried fig and molasses over notes of toffee and coffee. The palate is thick and unctuous, coating the mouth with sweet dried fruit and dark chocolate, while a thread of acidity stops it from being heavy on the long finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 12 to 14 degrees in a small glass.