Xarel·lo

Identity and pedigree

The Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) lists Xarel·lo under number 13270, prime name XARELLO, with white berries and Spain as country of origin.¹ The Cava rules write it "Xarel.lo".² VIVC records 25 synonyms, among them Pansa Blanca, Cartoixa, Pansal and Moll.¹

VIVC gives the pedigree confirmed by DNA markers as Gibi × Brustiano Faux; its parent 1 field points to the passport Heben.¹ The same two parent passports, Heben and Brustiano Faux, appear in the VIVC entry for Macabeo.³

In sparkling wine

In Cava the rules authorise five white varieties (Macabeo (Viura), Xarel·lo, Parellada, Malvasía (Subirat Parent), Chardonnay) and four red ones (Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, Pinot Noir, Trepat). A rosé base must contain at least 25% red grapes.⁴

The Cava rulebook describes Xarel·lo wines in these words: "Vinos finos, afrutados, frescos con un ligero sabor amargo y con estructura y cuerpo" (fine, fruity, fresh wines with a slight bitter taste, with structure and body).²

Corpinnat divides its varieties into historic ones, at least 90% of the blend (Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Sumoll, Xarel·lo Rosado), and non-historic ones, up to 10% (Malvasia de Sitges, Trepat, and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are being phased out).⁵ The Classic Penedès list also includes Xarel·lo and Xarel·lo Rosado.⁶