The 2007 Electio is 100% Xarel-lo sourced from 72-year-old vines aged for nine months in new French oak. Light gold-colored, it offers up an attractive nose of mineral, baked apple, and white peach. Crisp and dry on the palate, it is Chablis-like with good acidity, a racy personality, and excellent balance. The finish is clean and refreshing. Drink it over the next six years. Importer: Bryce McNamee, Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (914) 954-6583

The 2006 Electio (also 100% Xarel-lo) is considerably more pricy. It is influenced by some oak aging while offering up notes of mineral, peach, and poached pear. Smooth-textured and with excellent depth, this outstanding wine can accompany richer fish courses. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Pares Balta is one of a number of wineries in Penedes with serious aspirations. It produces a wide range of wines from Cava to Rose to stratospherically priced red wines. While Pares Balta appears to be a work in progress, it is clear that their intention is to produce world-class wines. While Pares Balta makes many different Cavas, the importer only brings in their two top-of-the-line sparkling wines. Several of Pares Balta’s red wines could not be recommended and the best of the rest possess a certain rusticity that belies their lofty price tags.Importer: Bryce McNamee, Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA; www.boutiquewines.info