Valdespino “El Candado” Pedro Ximénez
Valdespino “El Candado” PX is a luxurious, intensely sweet Sherry made from 100% sun-raisined Pedro Ximénez grapes and aged oxidatively in solera.
Bottled at ~17% ABV, it delivers deep flavours of raisin, fig, caramel, coffee and dark chocolate with a thick, velvety texture and endless finish.
Presented with its traditional padlock seal, “El Candado” is one of the world’s most famous PX Sherries - indulgent, iconic and perfect with dessert, cheese or poured over ice cream.
Spain
750ml
17% ABV
NVValdespino “El Candado” PX is one of the most iconic and indulgent sweet Sherries in Spain — concentrated, syrupy, and dessert-rich. Made entirely from sun-raisined Pedro Ximénez grapes, it is intensely sweet yet beautifully smooth, offering waves of dried fruit, toffee, molasses, chocolate and warm spice.
Though decadent, it has enough brightness to keep it balanced, making it one of the most versatile dessert wines in the world. Pour it over ice cream, serve with cheeses, or sip slowly after dinner. “El Candado” has become a benchmark PX thanks to its depth, purity and the traditional padlock that has sealed bottles for decades.
Valdespino is one of the oldest houses in Jerez, with origins dating back to 1264 and a reputation for absolute traditional craftsmanship. Their PX soleras contain some of the region’s most historic barrels, creating silky, luxurious wines with exceptional texture and flavour depth.
“El Candado” is drawn from a specialised solera dedicated exclusively to Pedro Ximénez production — showcasing Valdespino’s mastery of the style and preserving a historic Sherry tradition.
Style: Pedro Ximénez (sweet, naturally raisined Sherry)
Region: Jerez, Andalusia, Spain
Producer: Valdespino
Grape Variety: 100% Pedro Ximénez
Vinification: Grapes are sun-dried (asoleo) until raisined, fermented, then fortified
Maturation: Long oxidative ageing in solera in American oak
Appearance: Deep ebony-black, viscous and glossy
ABV: ~17%
Bottle feature: Traditionally bottled with a small padlock (“Candado” = “The Padlock”) as a trademark seal of quality
Nose:
Raisin, dried fig, date, molasses, toffee, cocoa, roasted nuts, coffee and warm spice.
Palate:
Velvety, dense and intensely sweet — treacle, prune, caramel, dark chocolate, sticky toffee pudding, espresso and spice, with silky acidity underpinning richness.
Finish:
Endlessly long — dried fruit, chocolate and caramel linger with luxurious sweetness.
Overall Character:
Syrupy, dark and indulgent — a liquid dessert of exceptional richness.
Serve:
Slightly chilled or at cool room temperature
Small pours recommended due to richness
Perfect With:
Vanilla ice cream (classic pairing)
Chocolate desserts, brownies, tiramisu
Blue cheese or mature cheddar
Christmas desserts, figs, dates, nuts
Culinary Uses:
Drizzle over desserts
Blend into cocktails for sweetness and depth
Use in reduction sauces or gourmet cooking
Occasions:
Dessert wine
End-of-meal sipping
Holiday and special-occasion serves
Perfect gift bottle (with its signature padlock)
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