Alella is a relatively small wine region (only 227 hectares) located at the north of Barcelona and where the wines produced, mainly white wines, are clean, crystalline … and extraordinary!
The most significant characteristic of Alella is the existence of “sauló”, a sandy soil of granite origin and practically white color that has a great permeability and a great capacity of retention of solar irradiation. This facilitates the maturation of the fruit and brings fineness to the wines. The low power of water retention is compensated by the local microclimate.
Two distinct microclimates
In the D.O. two geographical and climatic zones are distinguished:
- The area of the Maresme, located in the foothills of the Litoral mountain range, of maritime orientation and open to the influence of the sun and the Mediterranean breeze. The mountain protects from the cold winds and condenses the moisture that comes from the sea, provoking a typically Mediterranean microclimate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The vineyards are distributed in staggered plots ranging from 90 m to 260 m in altitude. The wines of this area are mild, with a low alcohol content and moderate acidity.
- The area of the Eastern Vallés is located in the interior slopes of the mountain range, with a more somber orientation and a more continental microclimate. The wines are more acidic and powerful.
Pansa Blanca, the most representative grape
The most characteristic grape variety of the Denomination of Origin Alella is the Pansa Blanca, very close, although not identical, to the Xarel.lo (in many literatures they even get confused), that produces some white wines perfumed and shiny.
Although the region produces white wines with Pansa Blanca and Garnacha Blanca as main varieties, other authorized varieties are Picapoll, Malvasia, Parellada, Macabeo, Chardonnay, Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat.
For the elaboration of red and rosé wines, the main variety is Garnacha Tinta, although other authorized varieties are Hairy Grenache, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pansa Rosada and Pinot Noir.
One of the most representative wines of the Pansa Blanca from Alella is the:
Raventós de Alella Pansa Blanca Tina 9
From the selection of the best “tina” (tub 9) of the winery, for the production of the Raventós de Alella Pansa Blanca Tina 9, single varietal of Pansa Blanca, the grape is pressed and macerated in cold to extract to the maximum the aromas. The result is a yellow wine with greenish tones, intense aroma to white fruit and a voluminous flavor with a long aftertaste. It’s an excellent value for money.
If you have not tried Alella white wine, we recommend you do not take too long … you will see how pleasantly surprised you are!
