Xarel·lo

Xarel·lo is a white grape variety primarily grown in the Catalonia region of Spain. It is one of the three traditional grape varieties, along with Macabeo (Viura) and Parellada, used in the production of Cava, Spain's famous sparkling wine.

Beyond Cava, Xarel·lo is increasingly used to produce still wines, both as a single-varietal expression and in blends. These wines are often characterized by their high acidity, citrus aromas (lemon, grapefruit), and notes of stone fruit (apricot, peach). Some examples can exhibit subtle herbal or fennel notes.

Xarel·lo is known for its resistance to drought and its ability to retain acidity even in warm climates, making it well-suited to the Mediterranean climate of Catalonia. The grape ripens relatively late in the season.

The name "Xarel·lo" is believed to derive from the Catalan word "xarol," referring to the cherry tree which is called Cirerer, likely due to a historical association with cherry orchards. It is also sometimes referred to as "Pansa Blanca," particularly in the Alella region.

While primarily found in Catalonia, small plantings of Xarel·lo can be found in other areas of Spain. Its versatility and increasing recognition for producing high-quality still wines have led to growing interest in this distinctive grape variety.