The 2010 Creu de Lavit, a pure Xarello from 46- and 51-year-old vines from the La Figuera sub-region, is both barrel and tank fermented. It has a light, herbaceous bouquet with touches of pear, Granny Smith apple and a little spice. The palate is nicely balanced, with the oak rounding out the tropical fruit mingling with mango and pineapple. It has commercial appeal, even if it does not get to the core of the grape variety. Drink now. The Segura Viudas brand was founded in 1959, though they did not commence marketing their wines for another decade. In the early 1980s it was bought by the Ferrer family of Freixenet. The present head winemaker is Gabriel Suberviola. Importer: Freixenet USA, CA; tel. (707) 996-7256

The 2009 Creu de Lavit is 100% Xarel-lo aged in barrel. It offers up a pleasant nose of spring flowers, melon, and buttered popcorn leading to a creamy, savory wine whose oak is well-integrated. It will provide pleasure for at least another 3 years. Segura Viudas is a label owned by Cava giant Freixenet whose base of operations is in Penedes. Importer: Freixenet USA; www.freixenetusa.com

Mildly sugary on the nose, with creamy flavors of papaya mixed with grass. The acidity is spiky and the finish sort of scouring. Not a lot of depth, body or pizzazz, and it seems as though maybe some oak was thrown at it.——M.S.(4/1/2009)—— 84

This Freixenet brand consists of 100% Xarello grapes, and it’s nice on the nose and clean as a whistle. Flavors of apple cider, peach and melon are subdued and a bit sweet, while the feel is juicy and tightly wrapped. Nice for a Catalonian white table wine. Imported by Freixenet, USA.——M.S.(12/15/2007)—— 87