Palomino & Xarel-lo, Penedès, Spain

The worlds of sherry and Cava collide! A partnership between Equipo Navazos and Sergi Colet, this is *ahem* a Cava-adjacent traditional method sparkling wine with a sherry dosage – wowza! Made from Xarel-lo from Colet’s vineyards, this was matured in bottle for two and a half years on the lees before being disgorged and topped up with bone-dry Palo Cortado from Sanlúcar de Barrameda. She’s a breathtaking & wild beauty that has no time for greenhorns, her hair has a natural Southerly wind in it acting as a convenient wind fan at all times. Xarel-lo’s classic, pointy acid shines through the toasty warm palate of dried apricots & golden raisins with a pinch of Maldon & a lip-smacking pecan brittle finish. Goldilocks-perfect balance between crisp & fresh and savoury & complex, Libras and Geminis will be pleased, begs the question “Can something be too good for its own good?” Pairing suggestion: Dunk some bread into some oily fish and let it dribble down your chin.