Pedro Ximénez 2021 – Martino Wines.
Do not stop reading just because you just read PX and are expecting a sweet wine. Because if that was your first association you are in for a big surprise! The wine in this review is a dry white Pedro Ximénez, from beautiful Argentina, produced by Martino Wines.
About the Variety
Pedro Ximénez is the seventh most planted grape variety in Argentina and ranks first among the white varieties, even above the native Torrontés. Surprising, isn’t it? It is mainly grown in Mendoza, the best-known wine region of the country, where almost 75% of all Argentine wines are produced. Little by little, white wines in this country are moving from bulk production into the higher categories. This wine is an example of this.
Pedro Ximénez can also be found in Spain. More specifically in the DO Jerez where it is used, as many of you know, to produce a naturally sweet type of sherry. It is known worldwide as a fortified wine to be served, for instance, with a dessert.
About the Region
The province of Mendoza is the birthplace of this wine. This area is known for the vineyards built in an almost desert-like-environment, to the west protected from the rain by the Andes mountain range and to the east by the huge plateau of La Pampa Argentina. Its appellation is Uco Valley where the vineyards are about 1000 meters above sea level, being the highest in Mendoza. The soil is clayey covered with pebbles. The days are hot, while the nights are cool, which helps to preserve the acidity and fresh fruit flavors of the grapes, creating wines with freshness and character.
About the Winery
The original winery, dating back to 1901, with thick walls and cane roofs, is located in the town of Lujan de Cuyo less than 30 minutes from the city of Mendoza. In 2012 Martino Wines bought it and restored it, equipping it with the latest technology without losing any of its 19th century charm. With its expansion in 2015, bringing in new tank and barrel rooms, it also achieved a nice growth of its production capacity.
Martino wines has its own vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo as well; one of the most prestigious wine regions of Argentina, where the focus lies on the production of its Malbec. The winery also produces wines based on other varieties such as Petit Verdot, Chardonnay and Syrah.
Something very interesting to say about this winery is that it was born out of the love for wine of 3 friends, under which Hugo Martino, who used to get together back in the 90’s to share meals and enjoy good wine. They continued this spirit into their winery. Here they created a “Gourmet Space” where all everyone is welcome to taste beautiful dishes and pair them with wines from this endearing winery.
About the Wine
Once the grapes are harvested and the clusters are selected, they are gently pressed. The alcoholic fermentation is done at low temperature. The lees, by bâtonnage, are stirred regularly, which gives us more smoothness to the wine. This process together with its 30% volume in French oak barrels results in a wine with a fantastic balance between acidity and creaminess.
In the glass the wines shines with a clear and bright yellow color. What follows is a nose filled with aromas of white flowers, citrus and green apple. Moving onto the palette this Pedro Ximénez is fresh with slight bitterness and it possesses an excellent balance between the right amount of acidity and roundness, the latter is provided by its subtle fermentation (30%) in French oak barrels. The light body also offers a mineral structure adding freshness into the mix. At an ABV of 13.5% this is an enjoyable and easy to drink wine.
Conclusion:
The curious spirit of this winery has made them explore varieties that are more popular in other countries, giving them an Argentine touch. A successful approach if you ask us.
The result is a light, fresh and easy drinking wine to be served with light fish dishes, vegetables or as an aperitif. A special white wine that is certainly worth tasting. We award this Pedro Ximénez with a 84 point DWA score.
This review is written by our own Inma Muñoz. This Pedro Ximénez, and other wines from Martino wines, is imported and distributed in Europe by MH Wines.
Price: €14,10
Taste date: March 2023
Score: 84/100 DWA Score
Website: Martino Wines