Winemaker Notes
It surprises with its creamy quality and elegance, displaying a marked floral character with hints of fresh fruit, orange blossom, and fennel. On the palate, it is luscious, with fresh acidity, quince jam notes, and a finish featuring the characteristic touch of Xarel·lo.
Perfect for pairing with fresh pasta and carbonara sauce, mild cheeses, and foie gras appetizers. It's also an ideal complement to white meats, such as roast chicken with sauce.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2022 El Fanio is a varietal Xarel·lo sourced from Montañas de Ordal in Penedès. With 20% aged in acacia barrels, 20% in concrete vats and the remaining portion in steel, this yellow-hued wine features aromas of lime and apple, complemented by a subtle layer of oak. Dry and creamy, it has a taut, malic palate that lingers with a light bakery finish and a slightly saline character.
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.