Conca de Barberà: Catalunya's wine gem between rivers & peaks. Celebrate deep-rooted vines & unique terroir. Plan your visit today! Read more
Miguel Torres Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED SPANISH WINERIES
Last updated: November 22, 2023
Winery Overview
In the realm of Spanish wine estates, many contenders vie for the most iconic title. However, in our unwavering opinion, Torres Winery stands head and shoulders above the rest. Esteemed by wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and critics worldwide, the name Torres has been synonymous with exceptional wines since the family planted their first vineyards in the enchanting region of Penedès over three centuries ago. Since its establishment in 1870, Torres Winery has remained true to its roots, garnering global recognition and acclaim for its remarkable wines and brandies.
Despite its global prestige, the origins of Torres Winery can be traced back to the visionary mind of one extraordinary individual – Jaime Torres Vendrell. After spending time in Cuba, Jaime Torres embarked on a remarkable endeavor to establish a bodega (winery) in the picturesque Penedès region near Barcelona. He carefully erected his buildings next to the railway station, setting the stage for decades of prosperity and growth. In 1928, Torres expanded its operations into distillation. Tragically, the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 took a heavy toll on the family, leading to the partial destruction of their winery during a bombing raid in 1939.
Undeterred by adversity, the family rallied and rebuilt their winery in 1940. It was in 1954 that the renowned Sangre de Toro, perhaps the firm’s most iconic brand, was introduced to the world. This esteemed label remains deeply ingrained in the Torres Winery and Spanish wine identity. However, the turning point for Torres came in the 1960s when Miguel A Torres ventured to plant international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in Penedès – a daring and unprecedented practice. Miguel’s vision was to make Penedès the first Spanish region to embrace French and other international varieties, a vision that has undoubtedly come to fruition. Consequently, both the Torres Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – Milmanda and Mas La Plana, respectively – have garnered global acclaim, with Mas La Plana surpassing Chateau Latour at the Paris Wine Olympiad tasting in the 1970s.
However, despite their remarkable achievements, this family never rests on its laurels. In 1979, Torres expanded into Chile, while Marimar Torres planted her first vineyards in California in 1982. Since then, the wines and Miguel A Torres himself have been showered with awards, including the prestigious Decanter Man of the Year award in 2002 and the esteemed Lifetime Achievement award in 2011.
Today, the fifth generation carries the torch of the Torres legacy, with Miguel Torres Maczassek serving as the company’s Managing Director. Simultaneously, his talented sister, Mireia Torres Maczassek, leads research and development. While they embrace modern approaches and innovative ideas, Torres Winery’s philosophy remains rooted in the timeless wisdom of founder Jaime Torres – a reverence for terroir and historical traditions coupled with an eagerness to adapt and explore new regions and wine styles. Indeed, expansion is ingrained in the very DNA of Torres Winery. In 2016, they introduced their inaugural sparkling wine brand, the exquisite Cuvée Esplendor 2013, crafted by Vardon Kennett.
Miguel Torres Maczassek said this wine pays homage to a British individual who resided on the property during the early 19th century. He explains, “Great wines are born from exceptional vineyards with unique stories that have always been there and which need
Wines produced
-
2011 Grans Muralles
A varying blend of Garnacha, Monastrell, Querol, Cariñena and Garró. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged in new French oak for 18 months. One of the top reds of the Torres family, Grans Muralles will cellar for at least 10 years after release. -
2012 Mas La Plana
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged in 85% new French oak for 18 months. One of the most iconic Torres red wines, Mas La Plana will cellar for at least 15 years after release. -
2014 Perpetual
A varying blend of Garnacha and Cariñena. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged in new French oak for 18 months. -
2014 Salmos
A varying blend of Garnacha, Syrah and Cariñena. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks (malolactic fermentation in new French oak), before being aged in French oak for 14 months. -
2014 Celeste Crianza
100% Tempranillo. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks (malolactic fermentation in French oak) before being aged in French and American oak for 12 months (partially in new barrels). -
2015 Belleterra
100% organic Merlot. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged in 10% new French oak for 6 months. -
2013 Gran Coronas
A varying blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being aged in 30% new French oak for 12 months. -
2014 Milmanda
100% Chardonnay. The wine is barrel fermented (100%), followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel (55%). It is then aged in 300-liter barrels. 60% new French oak sourced from Nevers. -
2015 Fransola
100% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is fermented in 50% stainless steel tanks and 50% french oak, whereafter the wine is aged for 8 months in barrel (50% new oak, combination of American and French oak) -
Esplendor -Vardon Kennett
A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Xarel-lo. A traditional method sparkling wine, produced from grapes grown in our Alt Penedès vineyards at 550 meters.
Winery Contact Details
Miguel Torres
Comerç, n. 22Villafranca del Penedès, 08720
Barcelona
Email: [email protected]
Tel +34 93 817 7400
Fax +34 93 817 7444 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
DO Penedes (Torres wines are produced from a variety of appellations across Spain)
Founded
1870
Area under Vine
1300 ha
Age of vines
30 years+ Low yields
Oak barrel origin
French and American
Winemaker
Torres Family and Josep Sabarich
Owner
Familia Torres
Production
Grape varietals
Xarel.lo, Parellada, Moscatel, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Riesling, Garnacha, Cariñena, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Monastrell
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
-
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
Find out more -
Gewürztraminer
Explore Gewurztraminer, a highly aromatic white grape from Alsace, France. Savor its unique character and allure in every sip
Find out more -
Parellada
Unveil the allure of Parellada grape: a Spanish gem crafting elegant sparkling & white wines. Explore its unique qualities & flavor profile.
Find out more -
Riesling
Discover Riesling's charm, a white grape from Germany's Rhine region, cherished in Alsace, France. Unveil its secrets and delights
Find out more -
Xarel-lo
Unveiling Xarel-lo: A Key Grape in Catalonia's Cava Sparkling Wine. Discover the Intriguing Role of Xarel-lo in Spain's Sparkling Delight.
Find out more -
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
Find out more -
Cariñena (Carignan)
Carignan is a red grape variety that grows mostly in Southern France, and is often used as a blending grape
Find out more -
Garnacha
Garnacha: Spain's Red Gem. Akin to Pinot Noir, it bridges terroir and winemaking, crafting captivating expressions.
Find out more -
Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
Find out more -
Monastrell
Unveiling Spain's Hidden Gold: Monastrell Wine - Explore the Richness and Allure of this Exceptional Varietal
Find out more -
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
Find out more -
Tempranillo
Discover Tempranillo: Spain's iconic red grape. From Ribera del Duero to Toro, it yields concentrated wines. Explore its synonyms and unleash its prowess.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.
