About this WINE
Celler Pardas
Xarel·lo
Xarel·lo is one of the three traditional grape varieties used in Cava, Spain’s renowned sparkling wine, alongside Macabeo and Parellada. Originating from the Penedès region in Catalonia, Xarel·lo has a long history dating back to medieval times. The grape is particularly valued for its high acidity and robust structure, contributing to its wines' ageing potential and complexity. In recent years, Xarel·lo has also gained prominence in still white wines, where winemakers explore its versatility beyond sparkling wine production.
The Xarel·lo grape typically exhibits green apple, pear, and citrus flavours, complemented by floral and herbal notes. Its thick skin provides resistance to pests and diseases, making it well-suited to the Mediterranean climate of its native region. When used in Cava, Xarel·lo imparts a distinctive minerality and depth, enhancing the wine’s overall balance and persistence on the palate. Still wines can offer a fuller body and richer texture than white varieties, often displaying a subtle nuttiness and refreshing acidity.
Winemakers are increasingly experimenting with Xarel·lo to showcase its potential beyond traditional methods. Techniques such as extended lees ageing and blending with other grape varieties are being employed to highlight its complexity and adaptability. Additionally, sustainable and organic viticulture practices are being adopted in Xarel·lo vineyards, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship within the industry.
When is a wine ready to drink?
We provide drinking windows for all our wines. Alongside the drinking windows there is a bottle icon and a maturity stage. Bear in mind that the best time to drink a wine does also depend on your taste.
Not ready
These wines are very young. Whilst they're likely to have lots of intense flavours, their acidity or tannins may make them feel austere. Although it isn't "wrong" to drink these wines now, you are likely to miss out on a lot of complexity by not waiting for them to mature.
Ready - youthful
These wines are likely to have plenty of fruit flavours still and, for red wines, the tannins may well be quite noticeable. For those who prefer younger, fruitier wines, or if serving alongside a robust meal, these will be very enjoyable. If you choose to hold onto these wines, the fruit flavours will evolve into more savoury complexity.
Ready - at best
These wines are likely to have a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and savoury flavours. The acidity and tannins will have softened somewhat, and the wines will show plenty of complexity. For many, this is seen as the ideal time to drink and enjoy these wines. If you choose to hold onto these wines, they will become more savoury but not necessarily more complex.
Ready - mature
These wines are likely to have plenty of complexity, but the fruit flavours will have been almost completely replaced by savoury and spice notes. These wines may have a beautiful texture at this stage of maturity. There is lots to enjoy when drinking wines at this stage. Most of these wines will hold in this window for a few years, though at the very end of this drinking window, wines start to lose complexity and decline.
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