I mentioned in week V (2014) that I had bought not only that week's wine but also a contender for this week's some time in advance at Borough Wines. Well, try as I did, I could not find an alternative whilst in the southern hemisphere. Xanadu Chardonnay was the closest I came, but I decided that wasn't close enough. I have bent the rules a few times recently and wanted to get back on track. The idea is to use the alphabet as a way of exploring and discovering new wines, not simply filling in the blanks.
Week X (2014) Viladellops Xarel.lo, Penedes DO 2012 Borough Wines £12.
This wine comes from the Spanish region of Penedes in Catalunya, the autonomous region whose capital is Barcelona.
It is made as a single varietal wine from the grape called Xarel.lo. I don't understand Spanish grammar at all so cannot explain the significance of the full stop in the middle of the name. It is also written as Xarel-lo, if that makes it easier? No.
The grape is more frequently encountered in the Spanish traditional method sparkling wine (don't say Champagne, the French will sue) Cava, where it is blended with Parellada and Macabeo to add body. It is also said that it is the aroma of Xarel.lo that can be used to help distinguish Cava from other sparkling wines.
But this is the still variety, however, and although it is labelled as a single varietal, it is in fact a blend of 80% Xarel.lo, 10% Viognier, 5% Chardonnay and 5% Macabeo. It comes from a winery that has been in production for 150 years, with a 19 year break from 1980. The grapes are grown 250m above sea level on poor chalky soil, which is ideal for the purpose.
In colour it is a very bright and clear pale lemon yellow. It has a light aroma of melon and some floral notes, but nothing I could name. It is dry and instantly likable to taste, in a bright fruity way with greater intensity on the palate than on the nose. It opens with apples and finishes with more citrus flavours and possible a little pineapple.
It feels reasonably full and has a slight oily texture, and at 12.5% abv it is nicely balanced.
By chance, I shall be in the area at the end of the week after next and will keep a lookout in the local shops, either for this or for anything that might make an interesting comparison.
Week X (2014) Viladellops Xarel.lo, Penedes DO 2012 Borough Wines £12.This wine comes from the Spanish region of Penedes in Catalunya, the autonomous region whose capital is Barcelona.
It is made as a single varietal wine from the grape called Xarel.lo. I don't understand Spanish grammar at all so cannot explain the significance of the full stop in the middle of the name. It is also written as Xarel-lo, if that makes it easier? No.
The grape is more frequently encountered in the Spanish traditional method sparkling wine (don't say Champagne, the French will sue) Cava, where it is blended with Parellada and Macabeo to add body. It is also said that it is the aroma of Xarel.lo that can be used to help distinguish Cava from other sparkling wines.
But this is the still variety, however, and although it is labelled as a single varietal, it is in fact a blend of 80% Xarel.lo, 10% Viognier, 5% Chardonnay and 5% Macabeo. It comes from a winery that has been in production for 150 years, with a 19 year break from 1980. The grapes are grown 250m above sea level on poor chalky soil, which is ideal for the purpose.
In colour it is a very bright and clear pale lemon yellow. It has a light aroma of melon and some floral notes, but nothing I could name. It is dry and instantly likable to taste, in a bright fruity way with greater intensity on the palate than on the nose. It opens with apples and finishes with more citrus flavours and possible a little pineapple.
It feels reasonably full and has a slight oily texture, and at 12.5% abv it is nicely balanced.
By chance, I shall be in the area at the end of the week after next and will keep a lookout in the local shops, either for this or for anything that might make an interesting comparison.
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