Region and Vineyards
Set within the Massís del Garraf (DO Penedès), Xarel·lo Pairal draws identity from a dramatic karst landscape southwest of Barcelona. Here, very shallow calcareous clays (often under 40 cm) lie atop Triassic and Cretaceous dolomitic limestone, packed with marine fossils. The maritime influence tempers hot, dry summers, preserving acidity and clarity of fruit, while the high active lime and basic pH encourage low vigor and a distinctly mineral dialect in the wines.
The source is the single vineyard El Cirerer (1.40 ha) at 260 m with south-west exposure. Xarel·lo vines are around 70 years old, grafted to 41-B, and trained as goblet (bush vines) to shade bunches and moderate ripening. Hand-harvested and organically farmed, the fruit reflects limestone intensity without excess alcohol. The result is a wine of controlled ripeness, herbal lift, and a long, chalk-saline finish—a hallmark of Garraf's austere, luminous terroir.
Winemaking
Xarel·lo Pairal 2021 is 100% Xarel·lo from El Cirerer. Grapes are gently crushed and pressed without destemming, then fermented spontaneously in 425-litre chestnut barrels for about 40 days—a traditional material that confers subtle spice and oxygenation without the vanilla imprint of oak. Light fining and filtration preserve detail.
Post-fermentation, the wine macerates briefly on its lees, then ages six months in chestnut with continued lees contact for satin texture and shape. After bottling under natural cork, it rests two years in bottle before release. Key analytics: 12.0% vol, 0.2 g/L residual sugar, 5.8 g/L total acidity, 65 mg/L total SO₂. Certified organic; suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Production: 1,200 numbered bottles. Serve at 10-12 °C.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Golden yellow with bright, limpid clarity.
- Aroma: Apricot and peach laced with wild Mediterranean herbs; delicate hints of almond and honey over a chalky, marine-tinged backdrop.
- Palate: Dry, complex, and agile; tender ripe fruit glides on fine acidity and a subtle phenolic grip, finishing long with savory herbs and mineral depth.
Did you know?
Xarel·lo is Catalonia's workhorse white, prized for acidity, phenolic backbone, and ageability—qualities that shine in still wines like Pairal as much as in Cava blends. Its herb-anise spectrum and saline finish are classic signatures on limestone.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Grilled turbot with lemon and capers: Smoky fat meets dry, saline cut; chestnut-borne texture mirrors the fish's succulence while acidity cleanses.
- Charcoal vegetables with romesco: Herbal lift and gentle nuttiness dovetail with roasted peppers, almonds, and paprika warmth.
- Wild mushroom risotto: Creamy lees texture integrates with umami depth; mineral line keeps the finish poised.
- Semi-cured Manchego: Nut and herb notes echo; firm acidity refreshes after each bite.
