NV Valdespino Pedro Ximenez El Candado Sherry, Jerez, Andalucia 0,375L – buy online

WHO?

Valdespino, one of the oldest and one of the few family producers in Jerez. Alfonso Valdespino was a knight who fought alongside King Alfonso X for the city of Jerez against the Arabs back in 1264. As a reward for his valor, he was granted land in Jerez. Today, Valdespino is owned by the Estevez family, who own 750 hectares of vineyards and are one of the rare producers focusing on “single vineyard” Sherries.

WHERE?

All Valdespino wines are produced and aged in the Jerez-Xeres-Sherry region, in the sun-drenched southwestern part of Spain, also globally known as the Sherry Triangle (between the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda). The soil where the Pedro Ximénez grapes grow is rich in silicon and calcium carbonate, which is crucial for retaining moisture.

WHY?

“Candado” is the Spanish term for “padlock”. The padlock symbolizes the tradition of safeguarding this elixir from anyone who might want to enjoy it illegally. Pedro Ximénez grapes are harvested when overripe and then sun-dried to the raisin stage. The wine averages 10 years of aging through the Solera system, giving it a dark mahogany color and intense aromas of raisins, dried figs, and dates, with subtle hints of coffee and licorice.

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate – 94 pts