Grape Xarel·lo

White grape variety, from Greece, is probably the most emblematic of Catalonia grape. It produces wines with great character, rustic for some, with herbaceous aromas (range of hay, herbs in some areas) and powerful structure, with remarkable acidity and body and powerful structure, aging very well. White grape variety grown mainly in Penedes, Campo de Tarragona and the Balearic Islands, can also be found in Appellations of Origin Alella, Benissalem and Costers del Segre. And there are references to this grape in the tenth century, when used in Alella as sweet wine and wine had aromas of raisin.

 

It can be found from sea level to 400m altitude. It is along with Macabeo and Parellada, one of the members of the classic trilogy of cava, which adds body and structure. It has good performance and is resistant. It is strongly established in Catalonia, especially in the Penedes.

 

Early maturing, it does best in cool soils where the texture of it is not very compact. Its berries, amber yellow, are medium size with slightly acuminate spherical shape, with the cluster also medium size, very tight and ovoid. The varietal wines are less aromatic, good alcohol and acidity level, which makes well withstand the barrel. It takes place in low-lying areas and gives wines results with high levels of acidity, vegetal notes features perfect for the production of sparkling. It is stronger than Macabeo, compact, round grain, strong and sweet skin.

 

It is harvested in mid-September and if not mature well or force production, the wines may be excessively acidic, however, when well prepared, it produces wines of acceptable alcoholic richness, distinguished by its fresh and fruity aromas to apple, lemon, grapefruit.

 

It produces a balanced and consistent wine. It requires long pruning that are made when the grapes are still green. It is considered a main variety in the denominations of origin Alella, Costers del Segre, Penedés and Tarragona, as well as the name Cava. In the region of Alella, a variety known as Pansa Blanca providing special wines, finesse and complexity able also to mature in the bottle for many years.