Emilio Hidalgo 'Hidalgo' Pedro Ximenez Sherry NV 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The “Hidalgo” Pedro Ximénez hails from vineyards in Montilla-Moriles, southern Spain, where the region’s albariza-rich soils—a blend of chalk, limestone, and clay—lend natural minerality and drainage critical for the slow, concentrated ripening of PX grapes. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by long, hot, sun-filled summers and cool nights, which encourages the grapes to accumulate sugars while retaining aromatic intensity.

PX vines are left on the vine longer than most, often harvesting in late autumn when grapes have reached exceptional over-ripeness. The Montilla terroir, with its arid summer conditions, naturally promotes high sugar concentration, making it ideal for producing this intensely sweet, deeply nuanced style of Sherry.

Winemaking
Emilio Hidalgo’s approach is traditional yet meticulous. After hand-harvest, the Pedro Ximénez grapes are sun-dried on esparto grass mats, a process known as “asoleo,” to further concentrate sugars, acids, and flavors. Fermentation is minimal due to the high sugar content, leaving residual sweetness naturally.

The wine is then aged in American oak casks using a combination of oxidative and solera methods, allowing layers of complexity to build over time. The solera system, carefully managed by the Hidalgo family, ensures balance across vintages and contributes the signature richness, nuttiness, and oxidative nuance that characterize top-tier Pedro Ximénez.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Hidalgo PX is an opaque mahogany with deep amber highlights, hinting at its extraordinary concentration. The nose is intensely aromatic, opening with raisins, dried figs, and blackcurrant, layered with molasses, treacle, and delicate toffee notes. Subtle hints of walnut, caramelized sugar, and espresso emerge with air, adding profound complexity.

On the palate, the wine is lusciously sweet and velvety, yet never cloying. Dark dried fruits dominate, complemented by molasses, roasted nuts, and subtle spice, all underscored by a gentle mineral salinity from the albariza soils. The finish is endless, echoing raisin, fig, and toffee notes, with a balancing freshness that prevents heaviness.

Hidalgo PX is a wine of absolute harmony: power and sweetness tempered by lift, structure, and length.

Food Pairings
Pedro Ximénez Sherry is famously versatile with desserts and beyond. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, rich tarts, and caramelized desserts, as well as traditional Spanish treats like turrón or polvorones. It can also enhance savory pairings, such as blue cheeses, foie gras, or roasted nuts, creating a stunning contrast between sweetness and umami.

Serve slightly chilled, around 54–58°F, to accentuate its aromatic intensity and silky texture.

Cellaring & Longevity
Emilio Hidalgo PX is remarkably age-worthy. Even upon release, it displays profound depth, but with careful storage, it continues to develop additional layers of nutty, dried fruit, and caramelized complexity over decades.

Properly cellared, this Pedro Ximénez will remain expressive and luxurious for 20–30 years, evolving subtly while retaining its signature balance of sweetness, richness, and finesse. It is a definitive expression of Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximénez, showcasing the style’s seductive, profound, and enduring character.