Autumn trip to Gratavinum and Parés Baltà 2011
On the 4th and 5th October Top Selection took Charlie and Brett from Vinoteca, and José and Carlos from Brindisa to two Catalan wineries – Gratavinum in Priorat, and Parés Baltà in Penedès – both owned by the Cusiné family.
The weather was un-seasonally warm which made for a great opportunity to get out into the vineyards and see the distinct differences between the two regions. Priorat harsh and rugged, Penedès verdant and picturesque. Joan Cusiné and Anna Booth were excellent and informative guides (and very generous hosts!) over the two days.
Of course, we also tasted the tremendous range of wines from the two wineries, and across the board they are of fantastic quality. Personally, however, I thought the Gratavinum 2πr 2007 (Priorat), the Calcari Xarel.lo 2010, and Indigena Garnatxa 2009 (Penedès) were outstanding.
Parés Baltà was founded at the end of the 18th century, and remains a family owned winery. They are dedicated to producing stylish, individual, quality wines that are all produced (and certified) organically.
A fantastic visit, and we will definitely be visiting them again in 2012!