The concept for the summit at this distant locale got here from Josep Cusiné of Parés Baltà and Ignasi Segui of Vinyes Singulars because the church sits on a ridge (‘cim’ in Catalan) at 643m in altitude. It has an unparalleled 360-degree view which opens up on the plain of Penedès and out to the Mediterranean Sea, 25km within the distance.
Beginning in 2015, the primary years have been pleasant, unfastened affairs and happened contained in the church however curiosity from these within the area (as nicely with sommeliers and the regional wine commerce) rapidly outgrew the area accessible, which noticed them transfer out to the terrace that wraps across the exterior.
This return in 2022 thus marked the sixth version. As was the case with all wine occasions world wide, the summit was compelled to be on pause for each the 2020 and 2021 editions on account of pandemic restrictions.
It’s an occasion based mostly upon a easy premise of celebrating the standard evolution of effective wines being produced from the white grape selection, Xarel·lo (pronounced sha-rel-lu). Whereas it’s long-been one of many three core varieties within the glowing wines of DO Cava (together with Macabeu and Parellada), the final 20 years have seen the emergence of Xarel·lo as a star protagonist from Penedès.
The recognition has soared inside Catalunya on condition that its orchard fruit fragrant profile, effective acidity, and construction enable it to supply an enormous vary of wines. Types embrace contemporary, fruity younger wines, these worthy of barrel ageing, glowing in each conventional and pét-nat kinds, in addition to many, many takes on low-intervention or fully-natural wines. Completely all interpretations have been on show by 30 cellars in attendance.
Xarel·lo lays declare to round 9,000ha of vineyards with practically all of that inside Catalunya. Its traction internationally has been slower to develop than it has domestically nevertheless. Maybe it’s due to the difficult-to-pronounce title or as a result of it was habitually neglected as simply being a part of the Cava mix and never capable of stand by itself.
Producers in attendance in addition to the decidedly-local crowd appeared unworried about these points, at the least for one night, as they’re assured within the selection’s potential. Because the solar went down over the mountains behind the church, individuals partook of a meals truck, loved the music from the DJ, and excitedly chatted in regards to the subsequent 12 months.
