2012 Pansa Blanca, Marqués de Alella, Allela, Spain ($14)
Alella is a very small wine-growing region north of Barcelona—one of the smallest D.O.s in Spain, in fact, with only 9 wineries at last count. Perhaps because of its size, it is often overlooked by wine-drinkers…but, as with many small D.O.s in Catalunya, it is a great place to find crisp white wines. The Xarel-lo grape variety has some notoriety for its use in cava from Penedes…but here in Alella, perhaps, where the grape is known as Pansa Blanca, it is put to even better use. This 2012, a light straw in the glass, has a lovely lime-leaf/citric nose, with a touch of melon, reminiscent of white wines in northwest Spain. Fruity but balanced (only 12.5 % alcohol), the wine is lively and lovely on the palate. Do keep in mind, though, that it is not profound.
Wine4Food
This is just a great summer sipper that may not fit into all light foods like a key, but will supply a marvelous patio experience overall with the great salads of summer. I’m looking forward to this wine with my first Salade Niçoise of July…served bracingly cold!
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