Winemaker Notes
100% Xarel·lo fermented with indigenous yeasts in tank. Twice-weekly batonnage for a further 3 months in tank before bottling. No additives; unfined and unfiltered.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The balsamic 2021 Xarel.lo has notes of fennel and aniseed, coming through as young, primary and varietal. It has 12.4% alcohol, good freshness and a mellow mouthfeel. This is clean, precise, floral and serious, with a dry finish. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2021. Best after 2022.
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.