Ximénez-Spínola Delicado 2024

Ximénez-Spínola is an unusual estate within the D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, set in the triangle between Jerez, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. While Palomino dominates the region, this winery works only with Pedro Ximénez, the grape better known for dark fortified sweet wine. The Delicado takes a different route: it is a young, naturally sweet white made from very ripe Pedro Ximénez, picked from the latest vintage and bottled fresh rather than put through years of oxidative ageing or fortification. The albariza chalk soils of Jerez hold winter rain deep in the ground and reflect the strong Andalusian sun, ripening the fruit fully while the white chalk keeps the vines fed with moisture through the dry summer. Without barrel ageing, the wine keeps its primary fruit and pale colour intact. The colour is bright gold. The nose is fresh apricot and white peach with pear, orange peel and white flowers over honey. The palate is sweet but light on its feet, with a clean citrus lift that keeps it fresh and easy. Serve well chilled, around 7 to 9 degrees, in a small white glass.