The organic 2015 Calcari is a straightforward, unoaked Xarello with a slightly medicinal nose with hints of bay leaf. The palate is quite fruit-driven, with moderate acidity.

The unoaked 2013 Calcari is the first of four Xarellos, a growing trend in Penedès, that presents a balsamic, yeasty nose with aromas and flavors of bay leaf and chalk, true to its name. Young and fresh, this is very good value.

The 2012 Calcari is a pure unoaked Xarello, bright golden yellow-colored, with a nose of ripe fruit, but especially very mineral and austere. Vertical, long, also austere in the palate, like licking stones. Young, serious (austere?), extremely mineral and great value!. Drink 2014-2017. All Pares Balta grapes are organically certified, and some vineyards are already cultivated following biodynamic principles. Importer: Broadbent Selections Inc., Richmond, VA; tel. (804) 353-1818, www.broadbent.com

The 2007 Calcari (the name comes from the soil type in which the grapes are planted) is 100% Xarel-lo. It offers up a nose of mineral, green apple, and lemon-lime. Fruity, balanced, and refreshing on the palate, this tasty wine should drink well over the next 1-2 years. It, too, is a very good value. 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