2015 MARFIL Alella Pansa Blanca
Barcelona, SP
Regular Price $16.99
Sale Price $11.99
OK, class, today we talk about Pansa Blanca.
Who can tell me about Pansa Blanca?
Johnny?
Susie?
Ok, how about Xarel-lo?
No one?
Stevie?
Anyone?
They are the same grapes, people!
Enough with the faux-classroom…yes, Pansa Blanca and Xarel-lo are the same grape, and no, I don’t expect that anyone should really know this grape, although it is one of the three traditional varietals typically used to make Cava.
This wine is from Alella, which sits on the Mediterranean coast, about 15 km north of Barcelona. An ancient grape growing region, its nonetheless shrinking as the city encroaches upon the vineyards. The winery was formed as a co-op in 1906 and remained so until 1998 when is was converted to private ownership.
This wine is a crisp and bright white with a richness and grip that belies its price tag. Fresh apple punctuated by lime-like acidity and summer herbs makes this wine a delight, whether sitting on the porch or pairing it with shellfish, seafood, poultry or grilled vegetables.