Toro Albalá, Don P.X 2002, D.O. Montilla Moriles, sherry, 0.375l

Don PX wines come from the freshest and sweetest vintages of Toro Albalá. Selected Pedro Ximénez grapes were hand-picked and left to dry in the sun on straw mats for about a week. They were then pressed, and once the ideal balance of sugar, alcohol and acidity was reached in the tank, fermentation was stopped with Aguardiente (a clear regional spirit). The fortified wine was transferred into stainless steel tanks and large cone-shaped vessels called tinajas, which are typical of the local area. Thanks to its richness, the wine is left to settle naturally and is not filtered. It is then bottled directly from these vessels. These wines are not aged in casks or blended, making them incredibly pure, fruity examples of the Pedro Ximénez variety. They capture all the delicious flavours of the grapes turned raisins and honey, as well as their sharp acidity, before they reach the stage known as rancio. The golden liquid shines with a rich blend of fig, honey and muscat-raisin flavours and ends with a warming sweet finish. Despite its high sugar content, it retains an amazingly fresh taste. Pedro Ximénez is famous for pairing well with chocolate desserts, but it also marries well with salty blue cheeses, especially with the younger vintages of Toro Albalá wines. This type of wine nicely complements fig-based desserts and sweet pastries. It can be kept in the fridge indefinitely, making it ideal for pouring by the glass or for storage. Thanks to its rich flavour and affordable price, Don PX has become a well-known cocktail ingredient.