‘El Candado’ Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Valdespino
Valdespino is one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez, with a history of Sherry production going back six centuries. Back in 1264, Alfonso Valdespino was one of 24 knights who fought against the Arabs for the city of Jerez with King Alfonso X. As a reward for his efforts he was given land that formed the basis of the bodega. Today Valdespino belongs to the Estevez family, who purchased the bodega in 1999.
This delicious Pedro Ximenez has a liquid Christmas cake character, great depth and a lovely flick of acidity on the finish which serves to emphasise the unctuous sweetness and flavours of dried fig and raisins.
Great poured over vanilla ice cream, with mince pies, hard or blue cheese, or just on it's own after a meal
Monbazillac ‘Jour de Fruit’ 37.5cl, Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure
Monbazillac has a long history (known as early as the 14th century) and is one of the world’s great sweet wines; similar in style to Sauternes but usually offering better value for money. Here, Christian Roche is one of the best winemakers and his attention to detail and organic practices shine through in the wines.
Light and juicy, with the sweetness balanced by good acidity, this is a great introduction to dessert wines; perfect as an all-rounder with a cheese board or with fruit desserts.
‘La Magendia’ Jurancon Moelleux (37.5cl), Clos Lapeyre
Jean-Bernard Larrieu makes some of the best wines in Jurancon at Clos Lapeyre. This isolated area lies inland in the foothills of the Pyranees and is home to some of the best sweet wines France has to offer (without paying Sauternes prices). Petit Manseng is the main grape for producing these delicious, honeyed wines and it's bright acidity is what makes it so successful; no matter how rich and unctuous the wine, it still feels fresh and mouth-watering on the finish. In case you were wondering, La Magendia means 'the best' in the local Occitane dialect; very fitting, as this is truly stunning.
Perfect with fruit desserts (rhubarb or apple crumble...?) and is a star with blue and rind-washed cheeses.