Wines Montilla-Moriles Toro Albalá Don PX Convento Selección - 1946

Viniou Reviews

The Toro Albalá Don PX Convento Selección 1946 is a truly exceptional wine from the Montilla-Moriles DO in Andalusia, Spain. Crafted from 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes—despite being noted as a red wine, PX is typically a white-skinned grape—this wine showcases the unique tradition of producing dark, luscious sweet wines through the sun-drying of grapes and prolonged oxidative aging. Harvested in the immediate post-war period, the 1946 vintage bears witness to decades of careful maturation in solera, developing remarkable complexity, concentration, and depth. It presents a dense, almost ebony colour, with aromas of dried figs, dates, molasses, roasted nuts, and exotic spices. The palate is unctuous and rich, yet finely balanced by acidity and a seemingly endless finish.

Montilla-Moriles sits in the sun-drenched hills of Andalusia, just to the north of the more famous Jerez region. The local albariza soil, rich in chalk, imparts a certain minerality and freshness to the wines, while the hot, dry climate aids in the ripening of Pedro Ximénez grapes to intense levels of sugar, ideal for the production of these legendary sweet wines. The region boasts a storied history of fortified and dessert wines stretching back centuries, with towns steeped in sherry-like tradition and expertise.

This monumental wine deserves contemplative pairing. Its decadent sweetness and complex flavours are best matched with equally rich desserts; think spiced fruitcake, caramelised walnut tart, or blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Cabrales—the intense saltiness and creaminess beautifully offset the PX’s opulence. You might also savour it alone as a meditative digestif, or with a handful of toasted almonds in true Andalusian style.

For optimal enjoyment, serve slightly cool—around 12-14°C—to allow all the aromatic nuances to reveal themselves without becoming overly cloying. Decant gently to ensure clarity, and pour into small glasses to appreciate the incredible viscosity, perfume, and depth that only a wine of this age and provenance can offer.