Parés Baltà, Blanc De Pacs, 2022
Parés Baltà, Blanc De Pacs, 2022
- 75cl
- 11.5%
- White Still
- Maccabeu, Parellada, Xarel-lo
- Organic
- Biodynamic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2028
About Parés Baltà, Blanc De Pacs, 2022
The Blanc De Pacs from Parés Baltà is a delightful combination of ripe white orchard fruits, zesty lemon acidity, and a chalky minerality.
The blend of Parellada, Xerel-lo, and Macabeo grapes creates a unique flavour profile that pairs perfectly with butternut squash and chicken soup or Spanish style garlic mushrooms.
This 2022 is drinking beautifully now in its primary fruit phase, with the peach and citrus flavours at their most vibrant. Over the next year, expect the fruit to integrate slightly with the mineral backbone, creating more harmony but losing some of that youthful exuberance. By 2028, it will still be pleasant but the fresh fruit will have faded, replaced by more neutral, honeyed characteristics. This style is built for early consumption rather than long-term development.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with green highlights and brilliant clarity.
NoseFresh white peach and pear leap from the glass, followed by lemon zest and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. There's a subtle mineral quality underneath, like wet limestone after rain.
PalateMedium-bodied with bright acidity that frames the orchard fruit beautifully. The chalky minerality becomes more pronounced on the palate, adding texture and depth. Clean and precise with good balance between fruit and freshness.
FinishCrisp and clean with lingering citrus and that distinctive chalky note.
Overall impressionA textbook example of modern Penedès white wine that celebrates its indigenous varieties.
Food Pairings
In Catalonia, this would naturally accompany the region's seafood-rich cuisine: grilled sardines with romesco sauce, salt cod brandade, or the classic suquet de peix (fisherman's stew). The Catalans would also pair it with their beloved calcots (grilled spring onions) dipped in romesco, or perhaps some jamón ibérico and Manchego cheese. The wine's acidity and minerality make it perfect with the region's tomato-heavy dishes, from pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread) to escalivada (roasted vegetables).
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C straight from the fridge—no need for ceremony here. A standard white wine glass works perfectly, though a smaller bowl helps concentrate the delicate aromatics. No decanting required; this wine is about freshness and immediacy, so pour and enjoy.
The vineyards sit at 200-400 metres elevation in the Alt Penedès, where Mediterranean breezes moderate the continental climate. The soils are predominantly limestone and clay with good drainage, imparting that characteristic chalky minerality to the wines. Cool nights preserve acidity whilst warm days ripen the fruit, creating the perfect balance for fresh, food-friendly whites. The indigenous varieties are perfectly adapted to these conditions, having evolved here over centuries.
Penedès DO covers a vast area southwest of Barcelona, known primarily as the birthplace of Cava but equally important for still wines. The appellation allows both international and indigenous varieties, though the best producers focus on native grapes like Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo. The Alt Penedès subzone, where this wine originates, sits at higher elevations with cooler temperatures, producing more elegant and mineral-driven wines than the coastal areas.
Catalonia's 2022 vintage delivered one of those seasons that kept growers on their toes from start to finish. The year began promisingly enough, but summer brought intense heat and drought that tested even the most experienced hands in regions like Penedès and Priorat. Harvest came early across the board, with many producers picking weeks ahead of their usual schedule to preserve freshness and avoid the relentless August sun.
What emerged from the cellars shows remarkable concentration and power, though the best producers managed to retain the brightness that makes Catalonian wines so food-friendly. The indigenous varieties particularly shone: Garnacha from the higher altitude sites in Montsant shows beautiful spice and mineral backbone, while Tempranillo-based blends from Penedès have that lovely tension between ripe fruit and savoury depth. We're finding most of the reds are drinking beautifully now, offering immediate pleasure while having the structure to reward a few more years in the cellar.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Fresh and crisp with white peach, lemon, and chalky minerality—think of it as Spain's answer to a good Muscadet.
When should I drink this wine?
Now until 2028, but it's at its best whilst young and fresh, so don't wait too long.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Seafood, light chicken dishes, Spanish tapas, or anything with tomatoes—its bright acidity makes it incredibly food-friendly.
How should I serve this wine?
Well-chilled at 8-10°C in a standard white wine glass—no fuss required.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
No, this style is built for immediate enjoyment whilst the fruit is singing—drink it fresh and young.
What makes this blend special?
These three indigenous Catalan varieties create a uniquely Spanish character that's both fresh and mineral, perfectly expressing their limestone terroir.
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