Xarel-Lo, Our New House White From Penedès Lands!
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Yes, it's finally here! Starting with our own House Red, the gloriously gluggable Garnacha, followed by an ever-growing array of delights from the likes of Les Mongestines, Henry Fuchs, Roche Audran, and more it's fair to say we have big import ambitions. As such, last year we set our sights on perhaps the hardest vino task yet - tracking down a future cult favourite White wine to call our own - but by gosh we think we've done it.
With a mouthwatering acidity, fine citrus notes, and sluggable, saline minerality is this a usurper to the Chin Chin throne? Just maybe... In any case, read on to hear all about our Penedès perfection!
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Of course, we've got Celler Cal Costas to thank for our wonder! This fourth-generation family estate works organically with indigenous Catalan grape varieties in the fossil-rich, calcareous soils of the Alt-Penedès, around an hour's drive west from Barcelona. Found at 480m above sea level the uniquely continental dry-farmed vines get more sun during the day, with cool winds hitting at night, adding complexity, texture, acidity and a little richness to their exceptional wines.
Started in the nineteenth century, by cousins Antonio Jane Formosa and Josefa Pascual Formosa the estate has been kept in the family ever since. Having been forced into exile by the Civil War they returned after a long hiatus in the 1940s to relaunch production. Originally selling their wine purely in bulk to wholesalers, since 2002 they have carved their own path. Now led by Bernadette Miquel Vacarisas, they've gone fully Organic with a focus on clean, low-intervention wines that fully reflect the unique terroir.
An exclusive cuvée for Clapton Craft and our sister wine shop Gnarly Vines, our Xarel·Lo pronounced "SHAH-RELL-LO", is made entirely from the title grape! Once used in Cava production this is now increasingly being harnessed by new wave producers for still wines. And, we think this ticks every box for originality, taste, aroma and appearance with our very own Gavin Connell of Mezcal Margarita fame illustrating the charming bottle...
Pouring a light, shimmering yellow with a slight green hue, this young, fresh wine is begging to be drunk immediately. And, upon opening you're hit with vivid, yet delicate aromas of white flowers, supported by bright unripe fruit and a long intensity.
Following through on the palate, this is dominated by clean citrus flavours underpinned by a strong, saline minerality. There’s more fruit than on the nose too, with vibrant apricot and pear jumping out, and alongside there’s a tinge of spice, almost anise-like mingling with that delightful herbaceousness. Underneath, there’s a welcoming hint of richness to finish things off and balance the racy acidity, think bitter almonds for the true tasting geek!
Fully Vegan itself, we wholeheartedly recommend pairing this with: salads, fried foods, seafood, shellfish, vegetable dishes or even a simple cheese plate.
You can bet we'll be mentioning this crisp cracker again soon, but to be an early adopter to the Xarel-Lo craze hit the link below or visit any of our shops to pick up a bottle!
We'll see you again Friday, as usual, take it easy until then! - Team CC