Celler Alimara, La Xispa Selecció, 2018
Celler Alimara, La Xispa Selecció, 2018
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14.5%
- Carignan, Grenache
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This stunning wine is only made in special years from a selection of the best Carignan and Grenache barrels. It is a very limited release of only 2000 bottles, and is keenly priced for its quality.
On the nose, ripe fig and dark fruits dominate with a touch of cedar. The palate is round and full, with smooth tannins and ripe, but not jammy fruit. It shows great concentration, leading to a sustained finish showing graphite and funky spice.
Currently drinking well with its primary fruit still vibrant and the tannins nicely integrated. Over the next 3-4 years, expect the cedar and spice elements to become more prominent while the fruit maintains its concentration. The wine should reach its optimal drinking window around 2028-2030, when secondary complexity fully emerges. Beyond 2035, the fruit may begin to fade, though the structure should hold for several more years.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby-garnet with purple highlights at the rim.
NoseRipe fig and dark bramble fruits dominate the aromatic profile. Cedar and warm spice emerge with time in the glass. There's an underlying earthiness that speaks to the wine's Mediterranean origins.
PalateFull-bodied and rounded, with smooth tannins that support rather than dominate. The fruit shows excellent concentration without crossing into jammy territory. Graphite minerality adds complexity to the mid-palate progression.
FinishSustained and satisfying, with funky spice and mineral notes lingering pleasantly.
Overall impressionA well-crafted expression that balances power with elegance, showing the potential of carefully selected old vine fruit.
Food Pairings
In Catalonia, wines of this style traditionally accompany hearty winter dishes like wild boar stew with chestnuts and herbs. Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic is a classic pairing, as is confit duck with white beans. The locals also enjoy these robust reds with aged Manchego cheese and membrillo, or alongside grilled vegetables dressed with olive oil and sea salt. During the cooler months, it's common to serve such wines with botifarra sausage and cannellini beans.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and spice characteristics to express fully. Decant for 30-45 minutes before serving to soften the tannins and integrate the flavours. Use large Burgundy bowls rather than narrow Bordeaux glasses to maximise the aromatic expression. The wine benefits from breathing time, so open an hour before serving if not decanting.
The vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean climate of Catalonia, with warm days moderated by cooling sea breezes. The calcareous soils provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines during the dry summer months. This combination of climate and soil produces wines with concentrated fruit flavours balanced by natural acidity and mineral structure.
Catalonia encompasses diverse wine regions from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coast, with a winemaking tradition dating back over 2,000 years. The region is known for both indigenous varieties like Carignan and international grapes, producing everything from crisp whites to powerful reds. Unlike the more regulated neighbouring regions, Catalonia allows winemakers considerable freedom in grape selection and winemaking techniques, encouraging innovation while respecting tradition.
The 2018 growing season in Catalonia brought considerable challenges, with spring frosts affecting some vineyards followed by an exceptionally hot, dry summer that tested even the most experienced growers. Water stress became a significant concern across the region, particularly in the higher altitude sites of Priorat and Montsant where the schist soils retained little moisture. The intense heat accelerated ripening, leading to an earlier harvest than many producers anticipated, though careful canopy management and selective picking helped preserve freshness in the resulting wines.
Despite the difficult conditions, 2018 produced wines of surprising concentration and character, though yields were notably reduced. Garnacha and Cariñena showed particular resilience to the challenging vintage, developing intense fruit flavours while retaining good acidity. The reds display robust structure with firm tannins that suggest excellent ageing potential, while the whites from cooler sites maintained their characteristic minerality. Most 2018 Catalan wines are drinking well now but will continue to develop over the next decade, with the finest Priorat examples likely to reward patient cellaring until 2030 and beyond.
FAQs
What makes La Xispa Selecció special compared to regular Celler Alimara wines?
This cuvée is only produced in exceptional years from a selection of the very best barrels, with just 2000 bottles made. It represents the pinnacle of the estate's winemaking, showcasing the potential of their finest old vine Carignan and Grenache.
How long should I cellar this wine?
The 2018 is drinking beautifully now but will continue to develop until around 2035. The optimal drinking window is 2028-2030 when the wine will show maximum complexity while retaining its fruit concentration.
What food pairings work best with this style?
The wine's full body and smooth tannins make it excellent with grilled red meats, slow-braised dishes, and aged cheeses. Try it with lamb, venison, or hearty Mediterranean stews. The earthy character also complements mushroom-based dishes beautifully.
Is this wine representative of modern Catalonian winemaking?
Yes, it exemplifies the current trend in Catalonia of combining traditional grape varieties with careful barrel selection and modern cellar techniques. The focus on old vine fruit and limited production reflects the region's move towards quality over quantity.
Should I decant this wine?
Decanting for 30-45 minutes will enhance the wine's expression, allowing the tannins to soften and the complex aromatics to fully emerge. If you prefer not to decant, open the bottle an hour before serving.
How does the 2018 vintage compare to other years?
2018 was an excellent year in Catalonia, with ideal ripening conditions that produced concentrated, well-balanced wines. The vintage shows the perfect marriage of ripe fruit and natural acidity that makes La Xispa Selecció so compelling.
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