Dec 11, 2017
10 of My Favorite Wines of 2017
Bon Appetit
Xarel-lo is a native grape that is primarily used to blend into Cava. Some pronounce it “Zuh-rel-lo” and others “Shah-rel-lo,” but just call Finca Parera’s “Sasso” Xarel-lo “delicious.” Imagine a Muscadet, acidic and light, had a baby with Sémillon, ripe and waxy, and you get Finca Parera’s “Sasso.” This all-wheel drive white wine can do it all, whether you’re day-drinking with the in-laws, roasting a chicken, or BYOBing on the sly with sushi. Bright but golden yellow, this wine smells like briny honeydew served on a bed of gardenias. It’s well-rounded with a medium body, heightened acidity, and a waxy, oily texture with flavors of honeysuckle, soft lemons, green apple, and mango. There are also notes of, in the words of Ron Burgundy, “Lanolin?”
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