
Pedro Ximénez is a white wine grape variety that is also known by the terms “Pedro Gimenez” or “PX.” This variety is cultivated in South America and is said to have been introduced in the Canary Islands before being transported to Germany. It is said that the variety was introduced to Jerez by a soldier names Pedro Ximenez, who served in the Navy of King Charles the Fifth. The “Pedro Gimenez” variety is the most planted grape in Argentina and is used to craft fortified wines in the region of Jerez. This variety however, is different from the variety grown in Spain. The grape type is grown in Australia for Apera wines and can be blended to craft dessert wines. It is also used in Chile, Spain and is grown sparsely in California. The Pedro Ximénez variety features small round berries that are thin-skinned. Pedro Ximenez in Argentina produces fruit earlier in the year and contains leaves with three lobes. Wine made from the Pedro Ximenez grape typically pairs well with sweet desserts, such as rice pudding, caramel, an ice cream sundae, or Asian black sticky rice. The wines crafted typically use a process of drying out the grapes until they are almost raisin-like, and then taking the juice through other fermentation and aging processes. The taste of Pedro Ximenez features figs, dried fruits, or toffee.
Wine produced from grapes coming from the best vineyards from Sierra de Montilla and Moriles Alto (top quality area)
Aged in American Oak for 8 years
Color: Amber color with some topaz reflections.
An intense and elegant expression from the oxidative ageing process, with some dry fruits characters. The aromas are reminiscent of its ancestor - Fino. Velvety, warm, round and well-structured on the palate with almond flavors. A well-balanced wine.
Wonderful as an aperitif and to accompany soups and consommés. Extremely good where its distinctive taste adds unique character to a wide range of dishes. Try also with marinated meats and selfish as aperitif.
It is the purest example of tempranillo grapes from Rioja Alavesa. Coming from a vineyard over a hundred years old with an extremely low production. You can taste a high concentration of ripe fruit, well-bodied, with a final touch of toffee and lime soil plus a perfect acidity which makes this wine fresh and very tempting.
VINEYARD From the Cuba Negra Vineyard in southern Labastida, the El Belisario bottling comes from Tempranillo vines planted in 1910.
ALCOHOL 14.5%
PROCESS Fermented naturally in oak foudre. Malolactic fermentation and aging occur in 100% new French oak barriques over two years.
TASTING Along with its brilliant garnet color, aromas of cherries, dried plums, black pepper, and savory mushroom leap from the glass. The palate is fresh and concentrated with mixed red and black fruit, chocolate, menthol, and coffee. Displays a surprisingly elegant nature. Pair with game, red meat and dark chocolate.
Review:
One of those wines that makes you belief in the special magic of old vines, El Belisario hails from La Greña, parcel planted on limestone rich soils in 1910. Aged in older French barrels, it's a focused, nuanced, wonderfully expressive Tempranillo with raspberry, pomegranate and red cherry fruit, filigree tannins, energetic acidity and sweet, caressing oak spices.
96 Points - Top Rated Single Vineyard in Tim Atkin's 2023 Rioja report
Ambre de Maltus Bordeaux Blanc is made from 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillion.
Malolactic fermentation.
The wine was aged in French Oak barrels for a few month (between 6 and 8 months depending on the barrel's toastiness and cooper)
Delicious with grilled fish or grilled vegetables