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Xixarito P.X.
An extraordinarily concentrated sweet wine of intense raisiny fruit. The natural sugars from the PX grape undergo partial fermentation and alcohol fortification before ageing for 15 years in the solera.
Xixarito represents the second tier of wines from Bodegas Barón. An uber fashionable design led label is aimed at the more discerning and style conscious consumer or establishment.
The montage of images on the label depict events in the family’s history; these notes on the design are by Bodegas co-owner Juan Luis:
“Its design is a tribute to my grandfather’s nickname ‘Xixarito’ – it is like Chicharito (little pea) and is a reference to his bright green eyes. Each part of the label is a piece of life of my grandfather, the winery, the winery dog, my uncle Venenciando, my grandfather in disguise with my grandmother, the bull symbol, the flag of Sanlúcar, the sidecar motorcycle he had when he was young, the ship is that of Christopher Columbus. Egg with peas is the sun. There is also a story about an Elephant… but that’s for another time…”
A little obscure perhaps, but then so is the design!
Additional Information
Grape Varieties: Palomino
Alcohol/VOL: 15.0%
Other: Vegan, Vegetarian
Tasting Notes:
Ebony coloured with great viscosity. The nose is dominated by dried fruits – raisins, figs, dates – plus chocolate and coffee. Has a velvety and creamy palate and a rich, balanced sweetness.
The Producer
Bodegas Baron
Bodegas Barón can trace its origins back to 1631 and thus be considered the oldest of sherry bodegas.
In its present structure it was founded by Manuel Barón Fernández in 1895 who acquired some old soleras from Anselmo Paz, an almacenista in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Manuel Barón’s wife, though, had a much older family history in sherry.
Today, ten generations later, the company is owned by Jose Rodriguez Jiménez and his sons Juan Luis and Jose. It has been in their hands since 1984 and the young brothers are a dynamic force, who in 2014 oversaw the makeover of the entire range with new styles and importantly new labels. It is both one of the oldest and one of the most progressive quality producers – and new to the UK market.
It consists of two bodegas: Molinillos, the oldest in Sanlúcar, whose central naves date back to 1631 and where the 150 year old soleras of Anselmo Paz are guarded. The larger, more modern, El Hato is used for storage and holds 10,000 butts. They own three vineyards (around 140ha), all on albariza soil: Finca Atalaya (previously owned by Osborne), Finca Martín Miguel and Finca Poedo; of which 50ha are in Sanlúcar de Barrameda for the production of Manzanilla.
Barón has rebranded its production into three contemporary brands – Micaela, Xixarito and Soluqua – all with modern, eye-catching labels.