Dessert wines are a tricky bunch. Speak to anyone who works for a wine company and by and large you’ll get choruses of agreement: Dessert wines are lovely. The same with Riesling and the same with Sherry. Once you’re out in the real world, there’s a slight differing of opinion. It’s got to come down to misunderstanding though because when all these wines are done well, they’re magnificent. Especially Sherry. Which leads us to Pedro Ximenez.

This sweet and unctuous wine is unlike anything else you’ll try. The grapes ripen late so they can deal with the hot summers in Jerez. Once they’re picked, the grapes are laid out in the sun until they’re all shrivelled and approaching raisin-like size. Only then are the grapes pressed and fermented. It’s why Pedro Ximenez has a syrupy thickness to it. It’s a decadent treat.

So one way to take advantage of this deliciously complex wine is to have it with vanilla ice cream. Not the usual way of matching food and wine though, you need to pour it over. Like a sweet affogato, you won’t regret it. It’s the perfect way to kick off the new year.

Try it yourself with our Pedro Ximenez