Alella D.O. / D.O.P.

FIGURES:

Vineyard surface: 227 – Wine-Growers: 56 – Wineries: 9 – 2017 Harvest rating: N/A – Production 17: 700,000 L. Market percentages: 86% National - 14% International.

LOCATION:

It extends over the regions of El Maresme and el Vallès in Barcelona. It covers the municipal districts of Alella, Argentona, Cabrils, El Masnou, La Roca del Vallès, Martorelles, Montornès del Vallès, Montgat, Orrius, Premià de Dalt, Premià de Mar, Santa Mª de Martorelles, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Teià, Tiana, Vallromanes, Vilanova del Vallès and Vilasar de Salt. The main feature of this region is the urban environment which surrounds this small stretch of vineyards; in fact, one of the smallest production regions in Spain.

CLIMATE:

A typically Mediterranean microclimate with mild winters and hot dry summers. The coastal hills play an important role, as they protect the vines from cold winds and condense the humidity from the sea.

SOIL:

Distinction can be made between the clayey soils of the interior slope of the coastal mountain range and the soil situated along the coastline. The latter, known as Sauló, is the most typical. Almost white in colour, it is renowned for it high permeability and great capacity to retain sunlight, which makes for a better ripening of the grapes.

GRAPE VARIETIES:

WHITE: Pansa blanca (similar to the xarel·lo from other regions in Catalonia), garnatxa blanca, pansa rosada, picapoll, malvasía, macabeo, parellada, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc.

RED (MINORITY): Garnatxa negra, ull de llebre (tempranillo), merlot, pinot noir, syrah, monastrell, cabernet sauvignon, sumoll and mataró.