An extraordinary Xarel-lo from Penedès, which with its mineral depth, vibrant acidity and complex aromatics bears the hallmark of a great terroir wine.
Pale, luminous straw yellow with delicate green reflections
Nose
Limestone, smoke and herbs (lemon balm, lemon thyme, chervil), complemented by grilled pineapple, grapefruit, nashi pear and an enticing stony-mineral depth
Palate
Forceful and angular – acidity and salinity dominate, supported by a dense mineral framework; bergamot and lime characterise the long, invigorating finish with kaffir lime notes
Character
Cool, dense and of great length – a serious, terroir-driven wine that rewards patience and recalls a great Burgundy rather than a classic Penedès white wine
Pairing
Grilled turbot with herb butter, scallops on fennel purée, mature Manchego or Idiazábal
Notes
Old Xarel-lo vines at 400 metres elevation, just 0.91 ha single vineyard site; no filtration or fining – purist vinification for maximum complexity and terroir expression
Tasting note
Colour & Appearance
Luminous straw yellow with delicate greenish reflections – clear, vibrant, of striking purity.
Nose
The nose astounds with an almost Burgundian depth: chalk and a whisper of smoke define the first impression, like a reductive Meursault from the south. Beneath this unfolds grilled pineapple, grapefruit and nashi pear, complemented by yellow apples and physalis. Herbs such as lemon balm, chervil and lemon thyme lend the whole an electrifying freshness. Lightly roasted coriander and fennel seed, along with a hint of artichoke, round out this complex aromatic play. One keeps returning to its stony, austere core – captivating and irresistible.
Palate
On the palate, Espenyalluchs immediately shows character: acidity and salinity take command. The mineral structure is impressive – it clothes the entire mouth and leaves a distinctly salty, almost sea-breeze-like note. The fruit appears austere and citric: bergamot and lime dominate, supported by lemon zest and kaffir lime leaves. Juicy and cool, it caresses the palate for moments before the sword of acidity strikes again.
Finish
Long, very long – and it simply seems not to want to end. Ethereal aromas enliven the aftertaste sustainably. The fruit retreats, terroir and minerality take over completely. A wine that lingers long in the memory after the final sip.
Terroir & Origin
The vineyard site Espenyalluchs lies at 400 metres elevation in Alt Penedès, near the village of Sabanell. The Montserrat mountain range at its back ensures föhn winds and cool nights – a terroir that writes freshness and tension into the wines. The vintage 2021 was marked by extreme contrasts: a slow ripening process delayed by cold and drought ultimately resulted in excellent harvest conditions.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Pure Xarel·lo from old vines on 0.91 hectares. Enric Soler consistently forgoes fining and filtration – the complexity gained is the result. Minimal intervention, maximum expression.
Food Pairing Recommendations
A wine for the table that demands substance: grilled hake with lemon butter, scallops on fennel purée, vitello tonnato or a classic pollo a l’ast from Catalonia. Also a revelation alongside aged Manchego or Jamón Ibérico.
Special Features
Enric Soler’s Espenyalluchs is an impressive testament to the fact that Xarel·lo can rank among Europe’s great white grape varieties – when terroir, craftsmanship and patience come together. A wine for adults who do not seek simple answers.
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