Materia Prima Orange 2023 Pares Balta

Materia Prima Orange 2023: Pure Terroir in Clay Amphora

Vineyard Philosophy

Materia Prima Orange is a tribute to untouched nature and ancestral viticulture. The Xarel·lo grapes come from high-altitude, certified biodynamic vineyards in the upper Penedès. Vines grow on calcareous soils, surrounded by a thriving ecosystem, with no chemical inputs. Only herbal teas, compost and cosmic rhythms guide the farming. Each vine is treated as part of a living, breathing whole—resilient and expressive, nourished by silence and observation.

Winemaking Approach

The winemaking is as raw as the vineyard philosophy. The Xarel·lo grapes are destemmed and undergo spontaneous fermentation on their skins for over 14 days. The wine is then aged in terracotta amphorae, allowing natural micro-oxygenation while preserving the integrity of the grape. No fining, no filtration, no added sulphites—just grape and time. The result is a genuine orange wine, with texture, salinity and depth.

Tasting Notes

Amber-yellow with deep orange highlights, lightly hazy.
The nose offers dried apricot, orange peel, chamomile, black tea, with earthy and saline nuances.
On the palate, it is dry and structured, with gentle tannins, vibrant acidity and a persistent, mineral-laced finish.

Food Pairing

Materia Prima Orange is made for bold flavors and reflective drinking. Ideal with fermented dishes, Middle Eastern mezze, spiced lentil curries, roasted root vegetables, aged cheeses, or umami-rich recipes. Its tannic grip and aromatic intensity make it a natural companion to creative vegetarian cuisine and exotic pairings.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Organic orange wine

• Variety: 100% Xarel·lo

• Region: Penedès Superior, Catalonia (Spain)

• Altitude: 600 m a.s.l.

• Vinification: Skin maceration for 14 days, wild yeast fermentation

• Ageing: 4 months in terracotta amphora

• Alcohol: 12% vol

• Certifications: Organic, Biodynamic (Demeter), Vegan

• Unfined, unfiltered, no added sulphites

See all products of Pares Balta

Pares Balta: Family Tradition and Visionary Spirit

A Story of Family and Wine

Founded in 1790, Pares Balta is a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of Penedès, Catalonia. For over two centuries, the Cusiné family has cultivated a legacy of passion, authenticity, and deep respect for the land. Today, the estate is led by the third generation, joined by two female winemakers—daughters-in-law of the family—who have infused the project with a fresh, sustainable vision. The blend of historical knowledge and modern, female-driven innovation has turned Pares Balta into a global benchmark for organic and biodynamic wines.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

Pares Balta practices certified biodynamic viticulture across more than 200 hectares spread across the hills and mountains of Penedès. Each plot is farmed with a strong commitment to nature, without synthetic chemicals, and in harmony with the lunar calendar. The diversity of altitudes—reaching up to 800 meters—allows the grapes to develop unique characteristics, ensuring freshness, complexity, and varietal expression. Sheep and bees raised on the estate play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, turning the vineyard into a self-sufficient, living organism.

Approach in the Cellar

The winemaking philosophy is minimalistic and respectful. Fermentation takes place with wild yeasts, naturally selected from each vineyard, in order to capture the truest expression of the land. A variety of vessels—stainless steel, cement, oak barrels, and amphorae—are used to highlight the personality of each wine. Sulfites are kept to a minimum, and human intervention is carefully balanced, following a “non-interference” principle. The result is vibrant, pure wines that elegantly express their origin.

Wines and Recognition

Among the most emblematic labels is Gratavinum 2πr, a deep and Mediterranean red from the high-altitude vineyards of Priorat, where Pares Balta manages a second estate. Noteworthy also are the Blanc de Pacs, fresh and mineral, and the acclaimed Cava Blanca Cusiné, a traditional method sparkling wine aged extensively on the lees. Pares Balta wines are exported to over 40 countries and have been praised by international critics like Robert Parker and James Suckling. Despite global success, the winery remains deeply rooted in craftsmanship and tradition.