WineGuessrWhite grape variety
Pedro Ximénez
Also called PX, Pedro Jiménez, Perrum
Pedro Ximénez is a white grape from Andalusia, Spain, known for intensely sweet, dark PX sherry made from sun-dried grapes. Montilla-Moriles is its main region, ahead of Jerez and Málaga. Spain had 6,950 hectares in 2019, and DNA shows descent from the Arabic table grape Gibi.
| Color | White (green-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Andalusia, Spain (descended from the table grape Gibi) |
| Body | Full (sweet styles) |
| Acidity | Low |
| Typical aromas | raisin, fig, date, molasses, coffee, chocolate, liquorice |
| Key regions | Montilla-Moriles (Andalusia, Spain), Jerez (Andalusia, Spain), Málaga (Andalusia, Spain), Alentejo (Portugal), Elqui Valley (Chile), Australia |
Origin and history
Pedro Ximénez is a white grape from Andalusia in southern Spain. A DNA study published in 2007 showed it descends from Gibi, a table grape of Arabic origin. The origin of the name is uncertain; one theory links it to a place called Jiménez in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The grape has more than 40 synonyms, including PX, Pedro Jiménez and, in Portugal, Perrum. James Busby took it to Australia in 1832, where it was once important in New South Wales. In 2019 Spain had 6,950 hectares, and Portugal had 350 hectares in 2010, mostly in the Alentejo.
Where it grows
Montilla-Moriles, inland near Córdoba, is the grape's main home and uses it for both dry and sweet wines. It is also used in Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, mainly for sweet PX and to sweeten blends, and in the sweet wines of Málaga. In Chile, the Elqui Valley grows it, though true Pedro Ximénez there is limited and differs from Pedro Giménez, the grape widely used for pisco. Australia keeps small plantings.
Taste, wine styles and food
The best-known style is PX, a dark, syrupy sweet wine. After picking, the grapes are traditionally laid out in the sun to dry, concentrating their sugar, and the wine is then fortified and aged in a solera. The result is almost black, with flavours of raisins, figs, dates, molasses and coffee. It is classed as a fortified wine. Dry Montilla-Moriles finos from Pedro Ximénez are lighter and nutty. PX is classically poured over vanilla ice cream and pairs with chocolate desserts, blue cheese and Christmas pudding.
Wines made with Pedro Ximénez (4)
WineGuessr lists 4 wines made with Pedro Ximénez, from 2 countries. Most come from Spain (3).
Pedro Ximénez: questions and answers
What is PX sherry?
PX is a very sweet, dark sherry made from Pedro Ximénez grapes that are sun-dried before pressing, then fortified and aged in a solera.
Is Pedro Ximénez always sweet?
No. It is famous for sweet PX, but in Montilla-Moriles it also makes dry fino-style wines.
Where is Pedro Ximénez grown?
Mostly in Andalusia, Spain, above all in Montilla-Moriles, with smaller amounts in Jerez, Málaga, Portugal, Chile and Australia.
Is Pedro Ximénez used for pisco?
Chilean pisco mostly uses a different grape called Pedro Giménez; true Pedro Ximénez plantings in Chile are small.
Other white grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.