SPAIN
Parés Baltà
Parés Baltà is situated South of Barcelona, in the Penedès region of Catalunya. The winery was founded in the 1930's in an area that has been producing wine since the 1700's.
Parès Balta is owned by the Cusiné family and produces red, white, as well as Cava wines. Cava is a term used since 1970 for Catalunya's sparkling wines. Cava (meaning “Cellar” in Catalan) is made using the same method as for French Champagne.
The vineyards of Parés Baltà are spread out over five premium estates, located in different villages, approximately ten kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. They extend through valleys and mountains at altitudes between 170 and 800 meters above sea level. Having vineyards spread out through a relatively large area and a diverse geography means that one will find a wide variety of soils and micro climates on the estate. The micro climates are defined by the geography hence the altitude, the level of rainfall, sun exposure, the influence from the sea, or the influence from the river Foix that divides the valley. This is expressed through the wide variety of wines produced on the estate.
Parés Baltà prides itself in using ecologically friendly farming techniques, such as using sheep to fertilize the vineyards, thus eliminating any need for artificial fertilizers and bees to facilitate pollination. In 2004 the winery was certified "organic".
On the combined Estate, eighteen different varietals are planted. Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Mencía and Merlot are planted on the higher slopes where the climate tends to be cooler. Lower down Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Muscat, Petit Verdot and Touriga Nacional are planted where the climate is warmer and better suited for these varietals.
There are three generation of the Cusiné family that is active at the winery. From the grandfather Joan Cusiné Hill who was born in 1917, to his son Joan Cusiné Cusiné and now the two grand sons Joan and Josep Cusiné Carol who are in charge of the family business.
Winemaking is in the hands of Maria Elena Jimenez and Marta Casas, both oenologists and wives of Joan and Josep. The two highly skilled women combine their skills to produce exceptional wines whilst the two Cusiné brothers focus on the business side of things. The new generation aims at taking the winery to a new level combining tradition with modernity.
The wines of Parés Baltà have been praised in various International and National wine publications; including Decanter (UK), Capital (Germany), "Lo Mejor de la Gastronomia ("The best of Gastronomy", Spain), Vinos de España (Wines of Spain), Guía Peñin de los Vinos de España (Peñin Guide to Spanish Wines), Weinwirschaft (Germany), and Cuisine et Vins de France (France), amongst many others.
José Peñin, Guia Peñin 2005 of Spanish wines, on the Penedès wines: “… and of extraordinary interest the wines of Parés Baltà, who are on the top of the wave”.
Fenavin Spanish wine fair 2005: selected as one of “Spain’s Best 30 New Wineries".
John Radford, Decanter Magazine (UK) May 2005, selected Parés Baltà as one of “Spain´s Top 20 Upcoming Wineries”.
Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate summer 2005: Top scoring winery from the Penedès (2nd consecutive year).
Henar Puente, winner of the 2004 Spanish Sommelier Competition asked about her three favourite wines: “…and the wines of Parés Baltà.”
The "Dominio Cusiné 1790" wine was selected by the prestigious Spanish sommeliers Sr. Custodio L. Zamarra, Fernando Gurucharri.
Jose Luís Casado selected "Dominio Cusiné 1790" as one of Spain's "Mythical Wines", in the "Total Wine Guide 2003".
Only 35 Spanish wines were awarded this honor.