The Xarel·lo Variety: Structure, Freshness and Longevity

The Xarel·lo is a historic white grape variety of the Penedès and one of the cornerstones of Mediterranean viticulture. Naturally adapted to the region’s climate and soils, it is characterised by moderate vigour, good drought resistance and balanced ripening.

From both an oenological and sensory perspective, Xarel·lo stands out for the structure and depth it brings, its vibrant freshness derived from well-integrated natural acidity, and its extraordinary ageing potential. These qualities make it particularly well suited to the production of long-aged sparkling wines. It expresses notes of white fruit, citrus and Mediterranean herbs, together with a distinctive mineral character that faithfully reflects its origin.

The Character of Xarel·lo in the Limestone Soils of Alt Penedès

Our vineyards are characterised by limestone-rich soils, often with an extremely high limestone content, yielding relatively low production levels but grapes of exceptional quality.

The soils have a loamy texture, offering a balance between sand and clay that facilitates drainage during periods of heavy rainfall while retaining moisture during times of drought.

Biodynamic Viticulture: Artisans of the Land

A great wine is a reflection of the land that gave it life. For this reason, we practise dry-farmed agriculture according to biodynamic principles, cultivating our vineyards without herbicides or insecticides and relying solely on elements of natural origin.

Biodynamic agriculture is a farming system that prioritises ecosystem balance and biodiversity within the vineyard.

From an essentially biological perspective, biodynamics enables us to craft sparkling wines of remarkable expressiveness, outstanding ageing potential and, above all, profound respect for the landscape from which they originate.

Recaredo was the first producer in the Penedès wine region to obtain the international Demeter certification for biodynamic viticulture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recaredo’s Xarel·lo Sparkling Wines

What Tasting Notes Define a Recaredo Xarel·lo?

Recaredo’s Xarel·lo wines are distinguished by an aromatic expression deeply rooted in the Mediterranean landscape. Notes of fennel and pine woodland undergrowth emerge alongside terpene and fruit nuances reminiscent of peach and apricot. With ageing, the profile evolves towards more mineral characteristics, with hints of struck match and flint. In our single-vineyard Xarel·lo wines, this complexity is further enhanced by subtle hydrocarbon notes and evocative impressions of firestone.

On the palate, they are characterised by their pronounced structure and verticality, with fresh, well-integrated acidity leading to a long, precise and balanced finish marked by elegant, pleasantly bitter notes.

How Does Natural Cork Influence the Ageing of Xarel·lo?

At Recaredo, natural cork is the ideal partner for ageing. We use cork stoppers exclusively during the ageing process of all our Corpinnats, a practice that reflects our commitment to the highest standards of quality and sustainability, while also preserving a traditional craft.

Cork is an essential ally for extended ageing, as it protects the wine from oxidation and allows for a slower, more gradual evolution. Furthermore, it comes from a regenerative industry with lower energy consumption, reduced waste and the capacity to absorb CO₂. We use cork both for the temporary closure during ageing and for the final cork stopper, achieving a double absorption of carbon dioxide per bottle and reinforcing our commitment to the circular economy and environmental stewardship.

Recaredo was the first sparkling wine producer in the world to receive the Aged with Cork certification, awarded by the European Cork Confederation.

Is Xarel·lo a Suitable Variety for Bottle Ageing?

Without a doubt. Our experience demonstrates that Xarel·lo is a grape variety that thrives over time, gaining complexity and depth, extending the wine’s length and endowing it with a distinctive personality. Indeed, it is one of the varieties with the greatest ageing potential, thanks to its high concentration of natural antioxidants such as resveratrol, as well as its excellent balance between acidity and pH. These key factors give it a remarkable aptitude for long-term cellaring.