Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1910 Montilla 37.5cl

Alvear Pedro Ximénez Solera 1910 Montilla is an extraordinarily rare, iconic sweet wine produced in the historic Montilla-Moriles region of Andalusia, Spain. Founded in 1729, Bodegas Alvear is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Spain, renowned worldwide for its masterclass expressions of the Pedro Ximénez grape. Drawn from a legendary solera system established in 1910, this half-bottle (37.5cl) offering represents a luxurious, deeply concentrated nectar matured over decades of patient aging. Why You'll Love It This wine stands out for its monumental complexity, incredible viscosity, and unforgettable depth. Unlike Sherry PX wines which are fortified, Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximénez grapes naturally reach exceptionally high sugar levels when sun-dried on mats, requiring minimal to no fortification. The decades-long criaderas y solera aging process produces a thick, pitch-black liquid brimming with decadent flavours of dried figs, treacle, espresso, and dark chocolate, perfectly balanced by a surprising underlying salinity and fresh acidity. Vineyard & Production The grapes are harvested from low-yielding Pedro Ximénez vines planted in the chalky white "albariza" soils of Montilla-Moriles. After picking, the bunches are laid out under the scorching Andalusian sun on straw mats ("pasera") to dry for up to two weeks, concentrating the sugars and aromatics into a rich raisin nectar. Following a gentle pressing and partial fermentation, the wine enters the historic 1910 solera system, where it undergoes oxidative aging in seasoned American oak casks for generations before bottling. Tasting Notes Pouring an opaque, dark mahogany-black with thick, viscous amber tears coating the glass, this wine delivers an intoxicating bouquet of sun-dried figs, dates, raisins, and black treacle, interwoven with espresso bean, dark chocolate, tobacco, and roasted walnuts. On the palate, it is opulent, full-bodied, and syrupy, wrapping the tongue in luscious sweetness that is balanced by a subtle streak of mineral acidity. It finishes with immense length, leaving enduring notes of molasses, dark caramel, and exotic spice. Perfect Pairings With its deep, honeyed richness and dark chocolate nuances, this ancient Solera wine is an extraordinary dessert in its own right. It is sensational when poured directly over high-quality vanilla ice cream or paired with rich chocolate fondant, pecan pie, and sticky toffee pudding. It also acts as a brilliant counterpoint to strong, salty blue cheeses such as Cabrales, Valdeón, or Roquefort. Grape Varieties 100% Pedro Ximénez