The 2003 Blanca Cusine is composed of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir rather than the indigenous varietals typical of most Cavas. Sourced from high altitude vineyards, this sparkling wine is light gold-colored with an enticing fruity/yeasty bouquet. There is a persistent stream of small bubbles followed by a crisp, dry wine with some complexity and depth of flavor. Greater length would have merited a higher score. Nevertheless, this is a solid effort as good as many non-vintage Champagnes. 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