What distinguishes Pedro Ximinez harvesting from Moscatel harvesting?

• A. Moscatel requires overripe grapes
• B. PX must be harvested later than Moscatel
• C. Moscatel requires a high degree of ripeness
• D. Both are harvested at the same ripeness level

Answer: (C)

In shaping sweet Sherry styles, when and how the grapes are prepared determines the final character. Muscat grapes are picked when they are very ripe to develop rich sugars and the aromatic Muscat profile that defines its sweetness and perfume. Pedro Ximénez is typically harvested at a stage where the grapes can be concentrated further by drying after harvest (asoleo), so its sweetness comes mainly from post-harvest concentration rather than extreme ripeness at picking. So the crucial difference is that Muscat requires a high degree of ripeness at harvest, while PX relies on sun-drying to intensify sugar.