Spanish Wine Regions > Allela

Wine region's location

Alella is situated 20Km north east of the city of Barcelona in Catalonia. This is one of the smallest wine regions in Spain with just over 500 hectares under vine. Very few wineries operate here and there is little to be said about their wine making that cannot be said for nearby Penedes. Along with Pansa Blanca, its indigenous grape, Alella also cultivates other varieties such as Parellada and Macabeo and at the same time they are experimenting with prestigious grapes such as Chardonay and Chenin Blanc. Over time has been confirmed that the local microclimate between the coastal mountains and the Mediterranean mists favours the proper development of these grapes of French origin, as does the silica of the soil, known locally as saulo.

Wine characteristics

White Wines
D.O.Alella is best know for its white wines which traditionally are light and aromatic. This makes them soft although not sweet. Their other whites are dry, fresh, well balance, light straw in colour and long on the neck.

Red Wines
Alella’s red wines are known for their fruitiness. Out of the several varieties that they produce the most interesting ones are those that mix local grapes with foreign varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Grapes

White Grapes
Pansa Blanca (Xarel-lo)
Picapoll
Malavasia
Macabeo
Parellada
Grenache
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc

Red Grapes
Grenache
Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)
Merlot
Syrah
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon

Facts & Figures

Area: 550ha
Average yearly temperature: 15 Celsius
Average yearly water fall: 600mm