Fernando de Castilla Pedro Ximenez Classic Sherry

Fernando Andrada-Vanderwilde, who came from an aristocratic family that traces back more than two centuries of origin, whom in 1972 took over some old cellars from sherry giant Pedro Domecq, as well as brandy soleras from Marqués del Real Tesoro. Andrada-Vanderwilde created the brand “Fernando de Castilla” initially with the aim of producing the most select brandy in Spain. He was honouring the Spanish king Fernando “The Saint” who had conquered large parts of western Andalusia and discovered the exceptional properties of the soil and climate in this region, ideal for viticulture.

The house Pedro Ximenez Classic Sherry had been made from 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes. Their vines are grown on estate vineyard “Montalbán” on white albariza soils containing 70-80% limestone.

After harvest, Pedro Ximénez is made by drying the grapes under the hot Spanish sun, concentrating the sweetness. The grapes are then pressed and begin fermentation while fortified to 15%. Because the wine has not completed fermentation, much of the sugars remain where it is aged oxidatively in the traditional solera and criaderas system of oak barrels. Despite this is  mixed-vintage product, the average age of the wine is 8 years old. The age can be reflected from the complexity of its tertiary aroma.