DO Alella D.O. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Denominacion de Origen

Alella D.O. lies just north of Barcelona, in Catalonia, spanning 31 municipalities on either side of the Serralada Litoral (Coastal Range), which separates two contrasting districts: the Maresme, facing the Mediterranean, and the inland Vallès Oriental. One of the smallest and oldest wine regions in the Iberian Peninsula, the vineyard area covers around 320 hectares. On the coastal side, soils rest on "sauló," a pale, porous, well-drained decomposed granite low in organic matter; further inland, soils are deeper, clay-loam and slightly alkaline. The Mediterranean climate is tempered along the coast by the sea breeze known as the "marinada," which cools the vines in summer, while the inland area shows sharper temperature swings. The leading white varieties are Pansa Blanca (the local name for Xarel·lo) and Garnacha Blanca, alongside Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc; the main red variety is Garnacha tinta, joined by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo.

The wines of this appellation

White wines, made mainly from Pansa Blanca, dominate production: pale yellow with green tints, a nose of mineral notes with fruity and floral aromas, a fresh, balanced palate and a characteristic slightly bitter finish recalling green almond. Rosés, based on Garnacha tinta, show a light red colour with salmon tones, medium-intensity red fruit aromas and a fresh, fleshy palate. Reds, built around Garnacha tinta, display a bright cherry to ruby robe, aromas of forest fruits, liquorice and smoky or toasted notes from ageing, a balanced palate with fine tannins and a long finish with mineral nuances. The appellation also produces quality sparkling wines made by the traditional method, with a second fermentation in bottle. Fresh, mineral whites and rosés pair well with fish and seafood, while the more structured reds, especially with age, suit red meats and mature cheeses.