Torres

Torres have the most extensive vineyards in the Penedès and is the largest winery in Spain. Established in Vilafranca del Penedes in 1870, Familia Torres is widely regarded as one of the world’s most innovative wineries and named Europe’s most admired brand for nine years by beverage magazine Drinks International.

Available in 150 countries with biodynamic vineyards now in California’s Russian Valley since 1982. One of their most famous wine is the red Sangre de Toro was launched in 1945 and white Viña Sol. Super Premium and Reserva wines include Fransola, Altos Ibericos, Celeste, Milmanda and Reserva Real (A Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend). Torres had received many awards and prizes including  Best European Winery, granted by the prestigious American magazine "Wine Enthusiast".

History

Next to the Penedes is Priorat DOQ is a small area with several micro climats, formed around Bellmunt del Priorat, Gratallops, el Lloar, la Morera de Montsant, Porrera, Poboleda, Scala Dei, Torroja del Priorat, la Vilella Alta and la Vilella Baixa, Masos de Falset and Solanes del Molar. The capital of the region is Falset.

Grape growing and wine production here dates from the 12th century, when the monks from the Monastery of Scala Dei, founded in 1194, introduced the art of viticulture in the area. The prior of Scala Dei ruled as a feudal lord over the local area, which gave rise to the name Priorat. The monks worked the vineyards until 1835 when the state redistributed their holdings.

The development of Priorat wines to top class is credited to Carles Pastrana, René Barbier and Álvaro Palacios. The first 3 vintages, 1989–1991, came from a group of five wineries who pooled their grapes, and shared a winery in Gratallops. They made one wine sold under five labels: Clos Mogador (Barbier), Clos Dofi , Clos Erasmus, Clos Martinet and Clos de l'Obac. From 1992, these wines were made separately. The capital, Falset.

Grapes

The traditional reds from El Priorat are a single grape ("varietal") bottling of Grenache or Carignan, or a blend of these two grapes in a Bordeaux style with other French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah, among others.  Wine produced in the historic central part of Priorat has been certified DOQ Priorat since only 2000. Wines from outside this small area and Ribera d'Ebre are certified as DO Montsant.               Criança wines must remain in oak barrels for 6 months and then 18 months in the bottle, Reserva 12 months and then 24 months in the bottle, Gran Reserva 24 months and then 36 months in the bottle.

Terroir

he vineyards of Priorat are planted on the slopes on high terraces surrounded by the DO Montsant, which makes wine in a similar style. The volcanic origin provides a unique characteristics to the soil. The rocky soil is made up of reddish and black slate with small particles of mica, which reflects the sunlight and conserves heat from long hot and dry summers. The roots of the vines are forced to reach low for water which allows them and withstand the strong Mistral winds and storms from the East and freezing winds from the north in the winter. The terroir creates low yields due to the rocky nature of the soil that does not allow the accumulation of water.

Priorat Wine Adventures

Explore the the best red and white wines in Priorat and the Penedes plus if interested we can stop at the extraordinary Abbey in the mountains of Montserrat, Scala Dei, Sitges on the ocean, and other cultural sites north of Barcelona in Girona and the Dali Triangle.