The Facts
Producer: Parés Baltà
Region: Catalonia
Appellation: Penedès
Country: Spain
Grapes: Xarel-lo, Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $20
In Brief
Medium Body
Aromatic
Ripe
Orchard Fruit
White Flowers
Mineral
The Wine
“We started with this wine when we first opened,” Haley said. “There’s a hint of sweetness from the Xarel-lo, but it’s really mineral-driven.” Rich and ripe, the Cosmic still keeps it fresh with zippy minerality and a nose full of lush orchard fruit notes. Kristie and Haley suggest pairing this with any kind of smoked fish, from bagels and lox to bluefish pâté.
The Story
“This wine is fun for me, because [Parés Baltà] is really a man’s winery,” Haley said. “But this wine is made by the two vintners’ wives.” Penedès is best known as the home of cava, Spain’s famous sparkling wine, but there are plenty of wonderful still wines to be found among all the bubbles. Just like the duo behind the wine, Cosmic is an interesting spin on the status-quo: a blend of Xarel-lo—Penedès’ ubiquitous white grape—and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s expression is all about balance; Xarel-lo brings richness and weight, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes aromatics and acidity. The result is an unusual and modern take on one of Spain’s most famed terroirs with just enough richness to keep things warm on a cool March night.
