Once largely overlooked on the international stage, Spain is now known as one of the world’s top quality wine countries. But as today’s producers embrace their many distinctive terroirs and indigenous grape varieties, the diversity of Spanish wine only continues to grow, inviting discovery.

The Torres family winery was founded in Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain, in 1870, although its history as wine producers dates back to the 16th century. Over five generations, they have established vines and wineries in the Penedès, Conca de Barberà, Priorat, and Costers del Segre, with a focus on making small batches of wine from outstanding vineyards and historic estates and on recovering ancestral grape varieties to adapt to climate change. The family is a member of Primum Familiae Vini, an association of twelve of the finest wine-producing families in Europe. We will sample:

FAMILIA TORRES CELESTE VERDEJO 2022, RUEDA — Rueda’s main grape variety, Verdejo, gets it distinct complexity from stressful growing conditions and mineral-rich soil. Think of Verdejo as a fuller-bodied and more aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. A lush and smooth character with perfectly balanced acidity. The wine has a bright and clear pale gold color. The aroma is very fragrant, with distinct notes of fennel, green almond, and gooseberries accompanied by hints of white flowers. On the palate, the wine is smooth and well-structured. It is dry and creamy on the fresh, medium-bodied palate with a refined acidity that gives it a long-lasting finish. Rating: 90, James Suckling. 13% ABV. $22.50/7.50

FAMILIA TORRES SECRET DEL PRIORAT 2021 PRIORAT — Priorat is a small yet singular wine region located in the province of Tarragona at the foot of the Sierra del Montsant. The region comprises towns and villages that were once under the dominion of the Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei. Its singularity resides in its climate, orography, and geology. Torres Familia’s internationally renowned wines owe much of their character to the region’s black slate soils. This Priorat is a dark cherry red with much depth of color. Powerful aroma, revealing rich fruit notes of red cherry jam and undertones of ripe fruit (dried grapes, dates) with a touch of spices (black pepper). Flavorful, supple, and light on the palate, but with elegance. Well-structured with a backbone of delicate, finely grained tannins. This wine seeks elegance over robustness. Rating: 91, James Suckling. 13.5% ABV. $38/12.50

FAMILIA TORRES CELESTE CRIANZA 2020, RIBERA DEL DUERO — Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. This Crianza is a dark cherry red color. Expressive fruit (blueberry) aroma with delicate oak-imparted notes (cocoa) and elegant spices coming through. Velvety and supple, the wine is more accessible, lighter, and less structured than previous vintages, but has attained a good level of maturity. Smooth, silky tannins and fruit concentration. Drink through 2027. Rating: 92, James Suckling. 14% ABV. $30/10

See you tomorrow!