Parellada, freshness and finesse.

Parellada is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in Catalunya. It is one of three varieties (alongside Macabeo and Xarel.lo) for making the famous Cava sparkling wine. Parellada gives the Cava freshness and finesse. The name comes from the Catalan word Parell, pair (set) because the grapes in the bunch are very similar. Parellada has several names such as Montonera, Munts, Montonet, Montonega, Martorella i Masià. What makes this grape special? The Parellada grows well at higher altitudes. Because it is cooler there, the growing period is longer. This allows the acidity and citrus aromas to fully develop. This variety flowers early and is therefore not happy with late frosts. If the yield per hectare remains low, the quality of Parellada is in principle high. You get beautifully balanced wines, with good acidity and fresh notes of citrus and green apple and with a relatively low alcohol content. The grape has a thick skin with a characteristic golden color, which makes it resistant to all kinds of diseases. Preferably drink Parellada young so as not to lose its freshness. In Vinseum(winemuseum in Vilafranca del Penedès), after my visit to the museum, I tasted: El Nou de + 500, 100% Montonega from the Bodega: Pla de Manlleu. Recommended! A delicious fresh white wine, perfect to drink on a terrace during warm summer evenings due to its low alcohol content and good acidity. Enjoy!