Celler Alimara, La Xispa Selecció, 2018
Celler Alimara, La Xispa Selecció, 2018
- 75cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Carignan, Garnacha
- Organic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2033
About Celler Alimara, La Xispa Selecció, 2018
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.
The 2018 is drinking beautifully now, with the primary fruit and oak in perfect harmony. Over the next 2-3 years, we expect the cedar oak to integrate further while the fig and dark fruit character develops more savoury, earthy complexity. The wine should reach its peak around 2028-2030, showing full integration of all elements with enhanced mineral and spice notes. After 2033, the fruit may begin to fade, though the wine's good structure suggests it will remain pleasant for several years beyond.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby-purple with excellent clarity and concentration.
NoseRipe fig and dark plum dominate, supported by cedar oak and subtle Mediterranean herbs. There's an appealing earthiness underneath, with hints of leather and dried flowers adding complexity. The oak integration is seamless, providing structure without overwhelming the fruit.
PalateRound and full-bodied with impressive concentration, the wine shows ripe but never jammy fruit character. Smooth tannins provide structure without harshness, while the acidity keeps everything fresh and balanced. The mid-palate shows excellent depth, with dark fruits supported by well-integrated oak and mineral undertones.
FinishSustained and complex, showing graphite minerality and funky Mediterranean spices that linger beautifully.
Overall impressionA polished, concentrated red that showcases the potential of carefully selected old-vine Carignan and Grenache.
Food Pairings
In Catalonia, this style of wine would traditionally accompany hearty meat dishes like lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic, or wild boar stewed with prunes and pine nuts. The locals would pair it with aged Manchego cheese and Ibérico ham, or with rabbit braised in wine with chocolate, a classic Catalan combination. Grilled chorizo and morcilla would also be natural partners, along with the region's famous escalivada (roasted vegetables) served as a starter.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to allow the fruit and spice character to shine without the tannins dominating. A brief decant of 30-45 minutes will help integrate the oak and allow the wine to open up fully. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics. This wine doesn't require extensive aeration given its smooth tannin structure and current approachability.
The vineyards benefit from Catalonia's Mediterranean climate, with warm days tempered by cooling influences from the nearby coast. The soils are typically calcareous with good drainage, allowing the old Carignan and Grenache vines to develop deep root systems. This terroir produces grapes with natural concentration and balanced acidity, while the Mediterranean sunshine ensures full phenolic ripeness that translates into the wine's smooth tannin structure.
Catalonia's diverse wine regions span from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coast, encompassing everything from sparkling Cava to powerful reds like this one. The region has embraced both international varieties and native Spanish grapes, with many producers focusing on expressing the character of old-vine Carignan and Grenache. Catalan winemaking combines modern techniques with respect for traditional Mediterranean varieties, often producing wines that offer excellent value compared to more famous Spanish regions.
The 2018 vintage in Catalonia delivered one of those satisfying years that reminds you why this corner of Spain produces such distinctive wines. A wet winter gave the vines a proper drink after several drier years, setting them up beautifully for the growing season ahead. The summer brought warmth without the punishing heat that can bake the life out of grapes, allowing for steady, even ripening across the diverse microclimates from Penedès to Priorat.
What emerged was a vintage with real personality – wines that combine the sun-soaked generosity you expect from Catalonia with a freshness that keeps you coming back to the glass. The indigenous varieties particularly shone: Garnacha developed lovely spiced fruit character, whilst Cariñena retained the structure and mineral backbone that makes it so food-friendly. These wines are drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next five to seven years, though the reds from higher-altitude sites like Montsant will reward those patient enough to wait a bit longer.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Rich and concentrated with ripe fig and dark fruits, cedar oak, and smooth tannins leading to a graphite-spiced finish.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now through 2033, with peak drinking likely around 2028-2030.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Roasted lamb, aged cheeses, grilled chorizo, or hearty Mediterranean stews would all be excellent matches.
Should I decant this wine?
A brief 30-45 minute decant will help it open up, though it's not essential given the smooth tannin structure.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Yes, it will reward patience for 5-7 years, developing more complexity while maintaining its fruit character.
How rare is this wine?
Very limited with only 2,000 bottles produced, and only made in exceptional vintages from selected barrels.
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