Xarel·lo: Difference between revisions
Created page with "'''Xarel·lo''' is a white grape variety native to Catalonia in northeastern Spain. It is one of the principal grapes used in the production of Cava, alongside Macabeo and Parellada, and is valued for its structure, acidity, and ageing potential.<ref>Robinson, Jancis; Harding, Julia; Vouillamoz, José, ''Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 9780062206367.</ref> ==..." |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
Xarel·lo is well adapted to Mediterranean climates, showing resilience to heat and drought conditions. It typically produces relatively large berries with thick skins, contributing to its notable phenolic content compared to many other white grape varieties. | Xarel·lo is well adapted to Mediterranean climates, showing resilience to heat and drought conditions. It typically produces relatively large berries with thick skins, contributing to its notable phenolic content compared to many other white grape varieties. | ||
The grape retains acidity even in warm climates, which is a key factor in its importance for sparkling wine production. In coastal and granite-influenced soils, it can achieve particularly high natural acidity, enhancing its suitability for long ageing wines.<ref>Consejo Regulador del Cava, ''Cava Regulations and Varieties'', PDF.</ref> | The grape retains acidity even in warm climates, which is a key factor in its importance for sparkling wine production. In coastal and granite-influenced soils, it can achieve particularly high natural acidity, enhancing its suitability for long ageing wines.<ref>Consejo Regulador del Cava, ''Cava Regulations and Varieties'', PDF.</ref> | ||
== Role in Cava == | == Role in Cava == | ||
Xarel·lo is considered one of the defining grape varieties of [[Cava]], contributing body, structure, and longevity to the blend. While [[Macabeo]] often provides aromatics and [[Parellada]] freshness, Xarel·lo forms the structural backbone. | Xarel·lo is considered one of the defining grape varieties of [[Cava]], contributing body, structure, and longevity to the blend. While [[Macabeo]] often provides aromatics and [[Parellada]] freshness, Xarel·lo forms the structural backbone. | ||
In the core Cava-producing areas of Catalonia, particularly within the Comtats de Barcelona zone, Xarel·lo is one of the dominant varieties across multiple sub-zones and soil types.<ref>Consejo Regulador del Cava, ''Cava Regulations and Varieties'', PDF.</ref> | In the core Cava-producing areas of Catalonia, particularly within the Comtats de Barcelona zone, Xarel·lo is one of the dominant varieties across multiple sub-zones and soil types.<ref>Consejo Regulador del Cava, ''Cava Regulations and Varieties'', PDF.</ref> | ||
Its ability to support extended lees ageing makes it essential in higher-quality categories such as Reserva and Gran Reserva Cava. | Its ability to support extended lees ageing makes it essential in higher-quality categories such as Reserva and Gran Reserva Cava. | ||