Grape · White
Xarel-lo
Warm climate
About
The most characterful of the three traditional Cava grapes. Increasingly made as a still varietal wine, where it shows herbal, slightly bitter complexity. Provides body and structure in Cava blends. Some producers age it in oak or on skins for textured, gastronomic whites.
Typical profile
Body
Moderate
Acidity
Crisp
Sweetness
Dry
Aromas
What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.
Young · fresh from the glass
Oak influence
Possible
Aging
Still wines age 3-5 years. Skin-contact versions longer.
Growing regions
How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.
Food pairings
Pan-seared sea bass with fennel and olive tapenadeGrilled octopus with romesco sauce and marcona almondsRoasted chicken with herbs de Provence and lemon confitManchego cheese and quince paste with toasted walnutsPaella mixta with saffron and aioliGrilled asparagus with jamón ibérico and aged sherry vinegar
Similar grapes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Xarel-lo taste like?▼
Xarel-lo offers fresh flavors of green apple, pear, and herbs with distinctive fennel notes and white floral aromas when young. It has a characterful, slightly bitter complexity with herbal undertones that provides excellent body and structure.
Where does Xarel-lo grow best?▼
Xarel-lo thrives in warm climates and is primarily grown in Spain's Catalonia region. It's one of the three traditional grapes used in Cava production and performs well in the Mediterranean climate of Penedès.
What food pairs with Xarel-lo?▼
Xarel-lo's herbal complexity and slight bitterness make it excellent with seafood, particularly grilled fish and shellfish. Its body and structure also complement Mediterranean dishes, tapas, and dishes with fennel or herbs.
How does Xarel-lo age?▼
With age, Xarel-lo develops beautiful honey, nut, and toast aromas that add depth and complexity. The grape's natural structure allows it to age gracefully, evolving from fresh fruit and herbal notes to richer, more nuanced flavors.
Is Xarel-lo similar to other similar grapes?▼
Xarel-lo is quite distinctive with its herbal, slightly bitter profile and fennel notes that set it apart from most white grapes. While it shares some characteristics with other Mediterranean varieties, its unique combination of body, structure, and herbal complexity makes it quite individual.