Bodegas Ximenez Spinola

José Antonio Zarzana, is the 9th generation of the Spinola family to run this bodega, founded in 1729. There are not many wineries that can claim to plant only one varietal, let alone one that could easily be seen as being out of fashion, but that is precisely what Bodegas Ximénez-Spínola have done since its inception. Working solely with Pedro Ximénez, in a region dominated by the Palomino grape, they produce a selection of still wine, dessert wine, sherry and vinegar. The winery sources grapes from its own 20 hectares of Pedro Ximénez vineyards, grown organically (albeit without the certification) and works with the natural sugars produced after sunning the grapes. The old wines of the Bodegas Ximenez-Spinola winery, constitute some of the purest expressions of the Pedro Ximénez grape. The Exceptional Harvest comes from grapes that have been left on the vine for an extra 21 days, developing a lovely natural sweetness. It is then aged for 4 months on its lees after fermentation. The nose reveals gorgeous aromas of figs, raisins and prunes, with creamy notes leading onto a rich palate of ripe stone fruit flavours, with a great natural acidity to raise and balance the sweetness. The finish is pure, elegant and long. This is a wonderful wine, intriguing and unique, that will pair well with pork and seafood dishes.