Raventós d’Alella Pansa Blanca 2024

Raventós d'Alella has worked with Pansa Blanca, the Alella name for Xarel·lo, since 1981, and this single-varietal white is the result. D.O. Alella lies about 20 kilometres north of Barcelona on the Catalan coast, one of the last strongholds of the grape. The signature soil is sauló, a pale granitic sand that drains freely, holds warmth and helps retain freshness in a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes off the nearby coast. Xarel·lo is naturally structured and high in extract, which is why the wine feels fuller on the palate than its light colour suggests. It is made in stainless steel to protect the fruit and hold a clean line, with no oak. The colour is pale lemon-green. The nose leads with white fruit, green apple and pear alongside a note of fresh pineapple and white flowers. The palate is dry and vivacious, glides smoothly and finishes with a full-bodied presence, gentle citrus and a saline, mineral edge from the granitic soil. Serve chilled at around 9 to 10 degrees. It works as an aperitif and with fresh seafood, grilled white fish and green salads.