Xarello or Xarel-lo, fine white grape variety planted on a fairly static total of 8,662 ha/21,395 acres of catalunya in 2011, producing powerful, ageworthy still and sparkling wines. It is particularly important in alella, where it is known as Pansa Blanca. It is most commonly found in penedès, however, where, with Parellada and Macabeo, it makes up most cava blends. It needs careful pruning and the wine it produces can be very strongly flavoured. It is the rather vegetal smell of Xarel-lo that often distinguishes so many Cavas from other traditional method sparkling wines.
