Looking back at ‘23 with Alan

The collective looking back in Toro

To kick off 2024, each of the Collective will look back at their favourite wines of last year and share them with you. Next up is Catalonia’s very own Alan Nance!

Celler Pardas - Pur Xarel·lo 2020 (DO Penedès)

If you're only familiar with Xarel·lo as one of the trio of grapes in classic Catalan sparklers, then the Pardas Pur Xarel·lo is the perfect way to discover its potential as a single variety. The winemaker-grower team of Ramón Parera and Jordi Arnan have really worked their magic here, as both aromatically and on the palate, this is a wonderful evocation of the Penedès region where I'm fortunate to live. Wild herbs and flowers, white and yellow fruits, and hints of citrus on a long, steely finish are all there in a wine that makes a fine companion to anything from the sea, but which also pairs well with lightly spiced and vegetable-based dishes, as well as creamy or semi-cured cheeses. And if all that appeals, then I recommend you purchase a couple of bottles, one to drink now, another to lay down, for this is a wine with a long life ahead.

Terroir al Límit - Terra de Cuques Negre 2019 (DOQ Priorat)

A stunning example of new-generation Priorat winemaking by Dominik Huber and Tatjana Peceric. The Terra de Cuques Negre, which they classify as a village wine, is a 50-50 blend of Garnacha and Carignan that is rich and complex yet so light on its feet that it's hard to believe you're drinking a wine from the Priorat. Savour the red and black fruits from the Garnacha, relish the herbal acidity of the Carignan that holds it all together, and sup slowly, because this really starts to sing after an hour or so. As an aside, there's also a Terra de Cuques Blanc, a 60-40 blend of Garnacha Blanca and Pedro Ximénez, which you really should try. Check out too the wines they make under the label Terroir Sense Fronteres in the neighbouring Montsant region.