Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of preserved lemons, popcorn and subtle herbs. The palate is ample and medium- to full-bodied, showing richness, good concentration and a gentle phenolic texture. A lovely saline thread throughout.
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Vinous
The 2024 Xarel·lo from Montmell Mountains in Penedès, Catalunya, sees 20% of the wine aged in concrete. Delicate on the nose, it offers notes of stewed apple and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is fresh and textured with a chalky edge and a lingering hint of soft herbs on the finish.
Primarily associated with the Penedès region of Spain, Xarel-lo plays an important role in most Cava blends along with Parellada and Macabeo. Prized for its high levels of acidity and polyphenols, Xarel-lo adds strength, body and a distinct greengage or earthy character to these blends. Somm Secret—Just a few miles northeast of Barcelona, Xarel-lo vineyards around the town of Alella produce highly regarded still wines with fresh lemon and stone fruit flavors.
A superior source of white grapes for the production of Spain’s prized sparkling wine, Cava, the Penedes region is part of Catalunya and sits just south of Barcelona. Medio Penedès is the most productive source of the Cava grapes, Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Penedes also grows Garnacha and Tempranillo (here called Ull de Llebre in Catalan), for high quality reds and rosès.