Slow Fermentation 2023
Ximénez-Spínola • Jerez, Spain
"Patience transformed into wine: a signature white with the soul of a red, designed to evolve with elegance and surprise with its opulence and mineral balance."
The Mastery of Time
Fermentación Lenta (Slow Fermentation) is the fullest-bodied and most structured white wine from Ximénez-Spínola. Produced using an almost extinct method, this wine requires daily addition of must to the barrel, allowing the yeasts to work slowly and controllably. The result is a dry Pedro Ximénez that challenges conventions, offering a tactile and aromatic dimension achieved only through extreme craftsmanship and noble patience.
1. Identity Profile
- Winery: Ximénez-Spínola (Signature Winery).
- Origin: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
- Varietal: 100% Pedro Ximénez (Dry).
- Winemaking: Slow fermentation in 225L French oak barrels.
- Aging: 6 months on fine lees in barrel.
- Category: Cellar-worthy white with great aging potential.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Straw yellow color with intense, brilliant golden reflections. It has a slow, dense, and glyceric tear that anticipates its volume.
Nose: Deep and evolving. Notes of ripe white fruit and quince merge with aromas of fine bakery, vanilla, cinnamon, and a subtle smoky background from high-quality French oak.
Palate: Powerful entry with significant weight. Its texture is almost "chewable," with a masterful balance between the ripeness of the PX grape and a refreshing acidity that supports the entire ensemble. Long, unctuous, and distinctly mineral finish.
3. Character Analysis
STRUCTURE (MAXIMUM FULLNESS) [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
OAK INTEGRATION [ ● ● ● ● ○ ]
AGING POTENTIAL [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
FINAL PERSISTENCE [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
4. Pairing and Service
Hearty Cuisine: Fatty baked fish (turbot, cod), white meats such as game poultry, or dishes with black truffle.
Classic Pairings: Well-aged cheeses, Iberian bellota hams, and creamy mountain rice dishes.
Service: A large Burgundy-type glass is recommended to allow for aeration. Serve between 12°C and 14°C.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it called "Slow Fermentation"?
Unlike industrial white wines that ferment in days, this wine is built barrel by barrel by adding only 30 liters of must per day, achieving unparalleled glycerin extraction and structure.
How long can I store it in my cellar?
It is a noble evolving wine. Thanks to its structure and aging in wood, it can be perfectly stored for 5 to 8 years, gaining complexity in notes of dried fruits and honey.