Bodegas Ximénez-Spínola, ‘Delicado’, 2024 (50cl)

'One-Liner'
A rare and beautifully balanced sweet Pedro Ximénez, brimming with apricot, candied citrus and orchard fruit – wonderfully concentrated, yet lifted by bright, refreshing acidity.

Tasting Note
Deep golden in colour, with generous aromas of ripe peach, apricot and yellow plum joined by pear, green apple, candied orange and delicate herbs. The palate is smooth and concentrated, with dried fruit and citrus peel wrapped around a gently rounded sweetness, while lively acidity brings freshness and definition. Subtle notes of bitter almond and lightly toasted French oak emerge towards the long, vibrant finish.

Country: Spain
Region: Andalucía
Sub-Region: Jerez
Grape(s): 100% Pedro Ximénez
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
Dessert Wine of the Year Trophy – Sommelier Wine Awards 2026
Gold Medal – Sommelier Wine Awards 2026
Critics’ Choice – Sommelier Wine Awards 2026
By the Glass Award – Sommelier Wine Awards 2026

The Story
Ximénez-Spínola has worked exclusively with Pedro Ximénez since 1729, exploring the grape in a range of styles from dry table wines to deeply concentrated sweet releases. Delicado begins with hand-picked grapes laid on mats between the vineyard rows for at least 21 days, allowing the berries to dehydrate gradually while retaining valuable freshness. A tonne of freshly harvested fruit yields only around 200 litres of must, which ferments naturally in French oak until it reaches 13% alcohol; the barrel is then sealed to halt the yeasts without fortification, preserving both the wine’s natural sweetness and its unusually vivid fruit. The result is a fresher, more golden expression of Pedro Ximénez – rich and luxurious, but far removed from the darker, heavily oxidative style more commonly associated with the grape.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Duck liver parfait with caramelised apples and toasted brioche
- Vegetarian: Manchego and quince tart
- Vegan: Vegan apple tarte tatin with orange and cinnamon