Marta Casas shares a clear and human vision on biodynamics, wine culture, and palate education.
To talk about Parés Baltà is to talk about sensitivity toward the land. Within that context, Marta Casas stands out for uniting technical knowledge, a humanistic vision, and a way of communicating wine that feels personal and authentic. Her career combines scientific rigor, experimentation, and commitment to sustainable viticulture. In 2024, she was recognized as Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin MW and earned the prestigious DipWSET WineAkademiker diploma.
Who is Marta Casas and why her voice matters
From Pharmacy to the vineyard: a meaningful life shift
Her professional path originally pointed toward pharmacy. But her encounter with the world of vineyards —and with Josep Cusiné, third generation of the winery— awakened a curiosity that quickly became a calling. Today, that combination of science and sensitivity defines her way of understanding oenology as both art and method.
Award-winning career: Winemaker of the Year 2024 and DipWSET WineAkademiker
In 2024, Marta was named Winemaker of the Year by British Master of Wine Tim Atkin, one of the world’s leading wine critics, and she obtained the DipWSET WineAkademiker —a title held by only a thousand professionals worldwide. Her authority is rooted in knowledge but sustained by humility and passion.
The Parés Baltà philosophy: organic and biodynamic viticulture with purpose
A living ecosystem: soil, biodiversity, and minimal intervention
At Parés Baltà, organic and biodynamic farming is not a trend —it’s a coherent choice. The vineyard is treated as a living ecosystem, with aerated soils, cover crops, compost, and minimal intervention. Every decision, from soil to bottle, aims to preserve the fruit’s vitality and express the authentic character of the Penedès.
From vineyard to glass: technical choices with soul
Harvests at optimal ripeness, gentle pressing, careful work with lees, and fermentations that seek balance. At Parés Baltà, wines are not disguised —they are listened to. The result: living, pure wines full of soul.
Wine as culture: Mediterranean identity and legacy
“Losing wine” as a cultural risk
For Marta, wine is a cultural expression that forms part of our Mediterranean identity. “Losing wine is almost like losing a language,” she says. Educating people about wine culture means protecting a living heritage that connects gastronomy, history, and landscape.
The Penedès D.O.: the first 100% organic appellation
In 2025, the Penedès D.O. became the world’s first 100% organic designation. This milestone reflects a collective commitment to protecting the land. Parés Baltà played an active role in this process, proving that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand.
Learning to taste: how to train your palate step by step
First steps: young and fruity white wines
For beginners, Marta recommends starting with young, fruity white wines, even with a natural hint of sweetness. This helps train the palate gradually without overwhelming it with tannins or excessive acidity.
Educational pairings: from cheese to chocolate
Pairing wine with small bites helps anchor sensations. Soft cheeses, nuts, charcuterie, or chocolates allow you to discover wine with all your senses. The key lies in observation and conversation.
Youth and responsible consumption: communication keys
From barrier to bridge: education, respect, and listening
Young people drink less, but that doesn’t mean they are uninterested in wine culture. Marta advocates for education through respect: explain, listen, and create experiences. Each tasting or visit is an opportunity to sow curiosity and knowledge.
Non-alcoholic wines: what they are and how to explain them
Non-alcoholic wines are a growing trend, but it’s important to understand how they are made. Removing alcohol requires readjusting balance and texture, often with additives. “What matters is that consumers know what they are drinking and make conscious choices,” says Marta.
Clear biodynamics: what it is and what it isn’t
Practices and calendar: the “agro-homeopathy” of vineyards
Biodynamics is based on observing natural rhythms and working with organic preparations that stimulate soil and plant vitality. It’s not mysticism —it’s conscious agriculture and applied science with respect.
Sensory impact: vitality and balance in wine
When the vine is in balance, the grape shows health, and the wine conveys energy, purity, and length. Biodynamics is not an end, but a means to create authentic wines that express their origin.
Climate change and droughts: 10 lessons from the vineyard
- Living soils retain water better.
- Cover crops protect the microbiome.
- Adaptive pruning according to vigor and water stress.
- Clonal selection and resilient rootstocks.
- Shading and orientation to prevent heat shock.
- Staggered harvests based on real phenolic maturity.
- Gentle fermentations to preserve freshness.
- Precise use of oak.
- Renewable energy and efficiency in the winery.
- Constant measurement and observation for better decisions.
From vineyard to classroom: Marta Casas’s educational work
Training, tastings, and visits: touch, smell, and understand
At Parés Baltà, tastings and visits are not just experiences —they are learning opportunities. Marta and her team promote direct contact with nature, helping visitors understand how biodynamics transforms wine.
Clear language for complex topics
Marta champions simple, relatable communication. “Wine is enjoyed more when it’s understood,” she says. That clarity is also a form of cultural hospitality.
The Parés Baltà style in three traits
Aromatic purity
Clean fruit, floral and herbal notes that reflect each vineyard.
Balanced texture and acidity
Tense yet friendly palates —fresh, precise, and elegant.
Honesty of terroir
Wines that speak of where they come from and who nurtures them.
Quick guide to start with Parés Baltà wines
Suggested tasting itinerary
- Young, fruity white wine.
- White wine aged on lees.
- Fresh rosé.
- Young, easy-drinking red.
- Single-vineyard red for advanced palates.
How to organize a home tasting
- Clean glasses and proper serving temperature.
- Neutral bites to cleanse the palate.
- Compare sensations and take notes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Marta Casas?
She is the winemaker at Parés Baltà, named Winemaker of the Year 2024 by Tim Atkin MW. Her work combines technical rigor, passion, and educational outreach.
What makes Parés Baltà unique?
Its genuine commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, producing authentic wines that express the spirit of Penedès.
How can I start enjoying wine?
Begin with young, fruity white wines, complemented by simple pairings to help you discover flavors and textures.
Does biodynamics affect flavor?
Yes. It enhances vineyard vitality and often results in wines that are more balanced, energetic, and pure.
Where can I learn more or book a visit?
Visit the official website: paresbalta.com.
Conclusion: a future you can already taste
The vision of Marta Casas encapsulates the essence of Parés Baltà: respect for the land, technical precision, and human passion. Each wine expresses a story, a vintage, and a philosophy of life. From Penedès, Parés Baltà shows that the future of wine is built with sustainability, emotion, and authenticity.
Inspired by the interview published in La Vanguardia (07/10/2025). You can read the full article here.
