Jean Leon Xarel·lo 2023

Jean Leon farms organically in Penedès, in Catalonia, and this is a still wine from Xarel·lo, the local grape that gives Cava much of its backbone. Grown in the region's varied soils under a Mediterranean climate tempered by altitude and sea breezes, Xarel·lo keeps good acidity and its distinctive green, herbal and orchard fruit character. The wine spends four months on its fine lees, a short ageing that adds a light creamy texture and depth as spent yeast cells break down, while keeping the wine fresh and fruit led rather than oaky. No barrel is used, so the grape and site show clearly. The colour is pale straw with a green tint. The nose leads with green apple, lemon and a herbal, dried herb note, backed by pear and white flowers. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, the light lees weight rounding a crisp, mineral line that carries a faint almond note to a clean, dry finish. Serve well chilled at 9 to 11 degrees.