Espenyalluchs 2024

Wine Description for Espenyalluchs 2024 by Enric Soler

Character

Enric Soler’s Espenyalluchs is a purist homage to the indigenous Xarel·lo grape of Penedès. The name – Catalan for „sparrowhawk“ – alludes to the precision and elegance with which this wine captures the mineral essence of its origin. With moderate alcohol content and bone-dry profile, it embodies a modern, unadorned white wine style that prioritises freshness and drinkability over opulence.

Terroir & Origin

Penedès, situated south-west of Barcelona, ranks among the most versatile wine regions of Catalonia. Whilst Xarel·lo traditionally serves as a Cava base wine, producers such as Soler increasingly demonstrate the grape’s independent potential as a still white wine. The chalky soils and Mediterranean climate with cooling influences from the sea shape a wine of vibrant minerality and saline freshness. The youthful 2024 vintage promises youthful energy and unvarnished fruit clarity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Xarel·lo – often underestimated, yet one of Spain’s most characterful white grape varieties. It naturally brings high acidity, moderate aromatics and a pronounced texture. Soler’s approach likely focuses on gentle handling and restraint with oak to preserve the grape’s characteristic directness. Typical are notes of green apple, citrus fruits, herbs and a fine bitter finish – characteristics that make Xarel·lo unmistakable.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine that calls for Catalan cuisine: Suquet de Peix (Catalan fish stew), grilled sardines, Escalivada (grilled vegetables) or Manchego of medium age. The saline minerality harmonises beautifully with oysters, shellfish and aioli. Also an excellent choice with goat’s cheese, green asparagus or pasta with lemon and herbs.