Tag Archives: Xarel·lo

Marcato, “iPrandi” Brut, Lessini Durello DOC, Italy NV $10-14.5

Think of Italian bubbly and we probably think of Prosecco, maybe Moscato or Lambrusco.

However, hidden in North Eastern Italy, smack dab between Venice and Verona, lay the Lessini hills. Here an ancient grape called Durello thrives. The name may come from its thick skins, or high acid. It may be native. Either way, it loves the volcanic soil. basalt. Elevations are high. Thus Lessini Durello has its own DOC. Continue reading

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Torre Oria, TORREORIA, Brut, 100% Macabeo, Cava (Requena), Spain NV

100% Macabeo, aka Macabeu, aka Viura (a player in the classic Cava triumvirate, alongside xarel-lo, perellada).  Never tried it as a single varietal Brut.  Rare for Spain.  Tasted non-blind without food.  Let’s see: It looks clear, with a medium minus … Continue reading

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Cava, Dibon Brut Reserve, Catalunya, Spain NV

Drink this Cava. Agricola Dibon has overseen an amusing sparkler that outpaces its price ($9-11) in quality. This sparkling wine comes from Vilafranca del Penedes: Spain’s sparkling homeland of Catalonia in the northeast. Their 75 hectares of trellised vines are … Continue reading

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