At a glance

Producer

Alvear

Region

Montilla-Moriles, Spain

Grape variety

Pedro Ximénez

Wine type

Fortified

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

Approximately $30-$50

Tasting profile

Intense dried fruit aromas of figs, raisins, caramel, molasses with luscious sweetness balanced by acidity

Evolution: Will deepen in complexity with notes of tobacco, nuts, and subtle spice developing over years

At peak: Peak complexity with well-integrated sweetness and balanced palate lasting into the mid-2030s

Structure

Acidity

Moderate, sufficient to balance sweetness

Tannins

Very low (typically negligible in PX wines)

Alcohol

Typically 15-17%

Aging potential

Long aging potential due to high sugar, alcohol, and oxidative style

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2044

Optimal window

2021 to 2047

Current status

Excellent for drinking now with potential to continue drinking well for 10-15 more years

Current condition

Rich and fully mature with deep flavors, able to evolve gracefully for years

Pedro Ximénez fortified wines from Alvear in Montilla-Moriles are famously age-worthy due to their unique oxidative production method, naturally high sugar content, and strong alcohol. The 2019 vintage is in its mature phase with sweetness and acidity balanced, offering decades of enjoyable drinking potential.

Food pairing

Excellent with desserts like blue cheese, chocolate, dried fruits, nuts, and foie gras; also as a dessert on its own

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Energy-efficient production, water conservation efforts, use of traditional foot-treading (reduces machinery energy), lightweight glass bottles

Alvear is moving towards sustainability with water conservation and energy efficiency. The traditional vineyard and winery practices respect local ecology, but lack extensive organic/biodynamic certification. Transport emissions impact depends on destination market but is typical for export fortified wines.