Grape variety and grafted vine plant Pedro Ximenéz: all the secrets

Pedro Ximenéz

Variety of controversial origin, although surely Mediterranean. Mainly spread in the South of Spain, especially in the D.O. Montilla Moriles, Malaga and Jerez. It is also found in the Canary Islands, Valencia and Extremadura. In addition, it is grown in Argentina, Chile, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

CULTIVATED AREA IN SPAIN

YEAR	1990	2000	2010
HECTARES	23.226	17.011	9.331

Budburst period: medium.
Ripening period: medium.
Yield: rich.

Ampelographic characters:

the bud, with its open greenish apex, has no anthocyanin pigmentation, and no density of laying and upright hairs. The medium-large orbicular leaf has a slightly open petiolar sinus and a V-shaped base. The cluster is medium-large, moderately compact, not uniform, with small and large berries. The skin is thin and soft. The pulp is juicy, sweet and very aromatic.

Cultural aptitude:

vine of high vigour and upright growth habit. It thrives in warm regions and is well adaptable to dry and well-lighted climates, allowing for excellent ripening. It favours aerated and deep soils.

Training system and pruning:

poorly adaptable to the classic Jerez pruning, since the plants age quickly; it adapts well to short spurred pruning.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

susceptible to downy mildew, botrytis, Esca disease, Eutypa dieback, moderately susceptible to powdery mildew.

Enological potential:

mainly known for producing typical sweet and generous wines of dark colour, with soft, fruity and full aromas, obtained from grapes previously dried in the sun and aged for years with the “soleras y criaderas” system. Also used for production of dry generous or young wines.