Alta Alella, Alella, Pansa Blanca

Beau vin assez dense et ample. Des pommes et des citrons avec de la craie sur une finale assez longue qui nous laisse une impression minérale.

An aromatic wine, reminded me of an Alsatian white. Aromas of yellow apples, slight spritz, lime, white flowers, pear, herbs (fennel?), ripe lemon Some saltiness on the palate Medium- body, medium finish, lean, elegant texture, zesty and refreshing The complexity on the nose is why I gave it 90 instead of 89. I wish the finish were longer.

This is certainly a fine departure from the norm, a pure Pansa Blanca (Xarello, a key Cava grape) from the small Catalonian DO of Alella. It's bright, crisp, and fairly easygoing, and certainly not profound, but there's impressive intrigue and complexity as the lemon-lime and apple-pear notes are joined by olive brine, grapefruit pith, minerals, and herbs, while the invigorating acidity is balanced by earthiness and ripe fruitiness, adding body, making it both filling and refreshing, without much sweetness. There …