Highlights: Parés Baltà Blanca Cusine Cava Gran Reserva 2012

I’m a big fan of the Cavas from Parés Baltà who I visited last year (my report is here). Tried this one recently and really loved it.

Parés Baltà Blanca Cusine Cava Gran Reserva 2012 Penedes, Spain
Mainly Xarel.lo (80%) with 10% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir (this portion is barrel fermented). Disgorged April 2021 after 8 years on lees. Full yellow in colour, this is bold, toasty, spicy and rich with pear and peach fruit, as well as a hint of seashore on the nose. In the mouth there’s more of the toast and almond richness, nice acidity, a twist of citrus peel and a slight salinity. A complex, bold, rich traditional method sparkling wine of real appeal. The Xarel.lo brightness and pithiness adds a lot of interest to the finish. 94/100