Vermell 2022
Can Descregut, Penedes, White Wine

Made with the nearly extinct variety Xarel·lo Vermell (Red Xarel·lo), distinctive wine is made as a tribute to those who worked with this variety in the past and holds great promise for the future. The label features a grape of Red Xarel·lo drawn by the winemaker’s daughter Mariona when she was 5 years old.

This wine is made from 100% Xarel·lo Vermell. Red Xarel·lo is a genetic mutation of Xarel·lo, a very rare grape variety (almost endangered), primarily found in Penedès, between the municipalities of Vilobí, La Granada, and Les Cabanyes. These old vines, over fifty years old, produce low yields but with better concentration. The difference is that it has red and thicker skin, which, when harvested fully ripe, contributes to more tannins that provide greater aromatic complexity. Can Descregut was the first winery to launch a 100% Xarel·lo Vermell wine to the market in 2005.

The vines are planted in bush form in 1956, with very low production, located at 300 meters above sea level in the La Pineda estate, on clay-limestone soil of fine texture with gypsum presence. The vineyard is certified organic by CCPAE (Catalan Council of Ecological Agricultural Production).

The winemaking process involves destemmed grapes and cold maceration with skin contact for 10 hours to extract aromas. The free-run juice undergoes static settling at 14ºC. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts after making a “pied de cuve” in the vineyard. Aging in stainless steel vats on the fine lees for 8 months with periodic batonnage. Bottled in June 2023 without stabilization and only lightly filtered.

Vermell 2022 nose offers low intensity but delicate and highly complex aromas: white fruit (apple and pear), citrus, smoke, earthy and mushroom notes, and a hint of red strawberry characteristic of the variety due to the tannins. On the palate, it is broad with a smooth, silky, and elegant mouthfeel over a mineral backdrop. Persistent and saline finish.

Technical Details:

• Alcohol: 11.50%
• Total Acidity: 5.20 g/L (tartaric acid)
• Total SO2: 9 mg/L