The Wine Reference🍷 SupportXarel·lo grape
Xarel·lo is a white grape known for apple, citrus, herbs. Its best-known homes are Penedès.
Origin and history
Native to Catalonia, grown in the Penedès for centuries.
Where it grows
Penedès, Alella (as Pansa Blanca) and the Cava region of Catalonia; also Mallorca and Tarragona.
Structure
Medium to full body, fresh to high acidity and dry; the backbone of Cava and Corpinnat sparkling wines.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, lemon, pear, fennel and herbs. With age: almond, toast, honey and brioche (in sparkling wine).
Ageing
Still wines drink within 2–5 years; long-aged Cava and Corpinnat can last 10–15 years.
Also known as
Pansa Blanca (Alella), Cartoixà (Tarragona, Mallorca), Xarello.
Good to know
With Macabeo and Parellada, it is one of the three traditional Cava grapes, giving body and ageing power to the blend.
Wine regions for Xarel·lo
Xarel·lo wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia
Cava · Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada
Long-aged family Cava: green apple, almond and toasty lees.
Food: Tapas, jamón
Codorníu Anna Blanc de Blancs
Cava · Chardonnay, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Macabeo
Fresh and creamy Cava with citrus, white flowers and a light toasty note; an easy, good-value aperitif.
Food: Jamón croquetas
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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