{"id":500,"date":"2026-06-27T10:17:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T10:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wonderfulwines.es\/blog\/?p=500"},"modified":"2026-06-27T10:29:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T10:29:41","slug":"30-years-picapoll-pla-de-bages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wonderfulwines.es\/blog\/en\/2026\/06\/27\/30-years-picapoll-pla-de-bages\/","title":{"rendered":"Picapoll: 30 Years of the Indigenous Variety Emblematic of DO Pla de Bages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are milestones that mark a before and after in the winemaking history of a region. This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of a true green miracle<\/strong>: the definitive recovery of the Picapoll<\/strong> variety, the undisputed emblem of the DO Pla de Bages<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Commemorative<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Three decades ago, this historic grape was practically on the brink of extinction. It was relegated to a distant memory due to the phylloxera plague and the subsequent industrialization of the countryside, which prioritized more productive international varieties. However, the firm commitment of the local wine community and, most notably, the visionary spirit of the Abadal<\/a><\/strong> winery, completely turned the destiny of the region around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through an untiring search across ancient farmhouses and old vineyards, the original clones were rescued. The goal was clear: to replant them in the clay and pebble-rich soils of a territory surrounded by Mediterranean forests. That gamble, which many labeled as madness at the time, has become today the identity driver of one of the most unique denominations of origin<\/a> in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of Picapoll is, in essence, a tale of resilience and adaptation. It is a late-ripening grape, thin-skinned and marked by small gray spots or stings (\u00abpicades\u00bb) \u2014from which it takes its name\u2014. For this reason, it has found its perfect sanctuary in the microclimate of Bages. The thermal contrasts between day and night, combined with the protective influence of the Montserrat mountain, grant it a unique character. Throughout these 30 years, Picapoll has evolved from an almost forgotten variety into a true cult object for sommeliers and wine lovers seeking authenticity and purity in every glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tasting Notes: The Soul of Picapoll in the Glass<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When pouring a Picapoll wine, we find ourselves before a variety that stands out for its subtle elegance. Visually, it presents a very clean, pale yellow color with bright, slightly greenish reflections that beautifully evoke its youth and freshness. As you bring the glass closer, the nose transforms into an aromatic stroll through the Bages landscape. In this way, a very delicate symphony unfolds, highlighting notes of ripe white fruit, such as water pear and crisp apple. Right away, these aromas give way to a fascinating balsamic background of fennel, wild thyme, lavender, and protective forest undergrowth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once it hits the palate, Picapoll surprises with its magnificent structure. Far from being a light white wine, it offers a velvety, almost unctuous entry thanks to meticulous lees contact. This density is perfectly sustained by a lively and citric acidity that provides an incredible sensation of freshness. Finally, its finish is long and persistent, leaving a slightly bitter and saline memory highly characteristic of its mineral terroir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bold Pairings: Beyond the Clich\u00e9s<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On a gastronomic level, we propose combinations that go far beyond traditional seafood clich\u00e9s to fully exploit its versatility. Picapoll possesses the ideal structure to match rich dishes and complex textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n