Torres Celeste Crianza 2020

Torres Celeste Crianza 2020

 

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Torres
Celeste Crianza 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Spain
  • Region : Ribera del Duero
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Tempranillo

Celeste Crianza combines tradition, innovation, and the distinctive characteristics of Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), making it a memorable representation of Ribera del Duero’s viticulture.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 92 2020
WE Wine Enthusiast 94 2019
W&S Wines & Spirits 92 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 91 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The DO Ribera del Duero region, located in the Duero River Valley in Spain, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, high-altitude vineyards, and extreme continental climate. The vineyards for Celeste Crianza are situated in Fompedraza, one of the highest points of the appellation, at 895 meters above sea level. This elevated position offers cooler temperatures, which contribute to the wine’s vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity.

The soils are a mix of carbonate-rich deposits from the Upper Miocene and Quaternary periods, with medium to fine textures. These characteristics, combined with the region’s gentle topography and narrow valleys, create a perfect environment for Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), the dominant grape variety.

Winemaking

This vintage benefited from a mild winter, a rainy spring, and a relatively cool summer, with late-season rains that ensured optimal phenolic ripeness. This climate produced healthy grapes with intense aromas and a smooth palate.

  • Fermentation: Conducted in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures to retain the freshness and purity of the fruit.
  • Maceration: 15–20 days of maceration to extract rich color and balanced tannins.
  • Malolactic Fermentation: Primarily conducted in new barrels, with two months of lees aging to enhance complexity.
  • Aging: 12 months in 60% French oak and 40% American oak, followed by a minimum of 12 months bottle aging to ensure integration and refinement.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep dark cherry red with vibrant hues.
  • Aromas: A fragrant bouquet of blueberries, cocoa, and delicate spices, complemented by subtle oak notes and a hint of earthiness.
  • Palate: Velvety and supple, with flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and gentle spice. The wine is well-balanced, approachable, and enjoyable, with a softer structure than previous vintages, making it easy to drink.

Did you know?

The name Celeste, meaning "heavenly" or "celestial," reflects the starry night skies above the Fompedraza vineyard, one of the highest vineyards in the Ribera del Duero region. This inspiration is also reflected in the wine’s elegant label design.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: Highlights the wine’s earthy and fruity nuances.
  • Beef tenderloin with black pepper sauce: Matches the richness and velvety texture of the wine.
  • Roasted mushrooms with thyme and garlic: Complements the wine’s earthy and spiced notes.
  • Aged Manchego cheese: Balances the wine’s structure and enhances its fruity and oak-derived flavors.

History of Familia Torres

The roots of the Torres family in winemaking trace back to the 16th century, but the modern winery was officially founded by Jaime and Miguel Torres in 1870. The family business began with a focus on shipping and exporting local wines, leveraging the infrastructure of their shipping company to expand their wine distribution.

In 1939, the winery faced a significant challenge when it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War. Despite this setback, the family demonstrated remarkable resilience by rebuilding the winery and continuing their winemaking tradition. Under the leadership of Miguel Torres Carbó, the winery not only recovered but also flourished, embracing modernization and expansion.

In the 1970s, Miguel A. Torres, a visionary leader and a pivotal figure in the winery's history, introduced French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to the Penedès region. This strategic move led to the creation of iconic wines such as Mas La Plana and Milmanda. The first vintage of Mas La Plana in 1970 marked a significant milestone, as it triumphed at the Gault & Millau Wine Olympics in Paris in 1979, placing Spanish wines on the global map​.

Miguel A. Torres also initiated efforts to reclaim the Catalan winemaking heritage by recovering ancestral grape varieties. This project, started in the 1980s, aimed to revive almost extinct varieties, culminating in the production of wines like Grans Muralles. Additionally, under his leadership, Torres expanded internationally, establishing vineyards in Chile in 1979 and in California in 1982​​.

Today, Miguel Torres Maczassek, representing the fifth generation of the family, continues to lead the winery with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The Torres & Earth program, launched in 2008, underscores their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and addressing the impacts of climate change on viticulture. The goal is to become a zero-emission winery by 2040​​.

Region and Vineyards

Familia Torres is primarily based in the Penedès region, a renowned wine-producing area in Catalonia known for its diverse microclimates and varied terrain, which are ideal for growing a wide range of grape varieties. The region's climate benefits from the influence of the Mediterranean Sea, providing mild winters and warm summers, which contribute to the optimal ripening of grapes.

The winery owns vineyards across several of Spain's most esteemed wine regions, including:

  • DO Penedès: Known for its innovation and diversity, Penedès is the heartland of Torres's operations. It is famous for producing both traditional and modern styles of wine.
  • DO Conca de Barberà: This region is known for its historical significance and unique terroir, where Torres produces notable wines like Milmanda and Grans Muralles.
  • DOQ Priorat: A prestigious region known for its steep, terraced vineyards and powerful red wines. Here, Torres produces wines like Mas de la Rosa.
  • DO Costers del Segre: This region's diverse climate and soil types allow for the production of a variety of wine styles, including the acclaimed Purgatori​ (Wikipedia)​​ (World's Best Vineyards)​.

Familia Torres is also actively involved in viticulture in other Spanish regions such as Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Rueda, and Rías Baixas, showcasing the breadth of Spain’s winemaking potential.

Wine Range

Familia Torres offers an extensive portfolio of wines, each crafted to express the unique characteristics of their terroirs. The range includes:

  • Mas La Plana: A flagship Cabernet Sauvignon from the Penedès region, known for its rich, complex flavors and aging potential. This wine is a testament to the adaptability and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon in Spanish soils.
  • Milmanda: A premier Chardonnay from DO Conca de Barberà, celebrated for its elegance and depth, aged in French oak to enhance its complexity.
  • Grans Muralles: An exceptional blend that includes rare, ancestral varieties from DO Conca de Barberà, showcasing the winery's dedication to preserving viticultural heritage.
  • Reserva Real: A limited-production wine from DO Penedès, made only in the best vintages and known for its refined structure and longevity.
  • Perpetual: A wine from DOQ Priorat that captures the intensity and minerality of the region’s slate soils.
  • Purgatori: From DO Costers del Segre, this wine reflects the rugged landscape and extreme climate of the region, resulting in a robust and flavorful wine​​.

In addition to these iconic wines, Torres produces a variety of other wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, as well as brandies and other spirits, ensuring a comprehensive offering that caters to diverse palates.

Did you know?

Familia Torres gained international fame in 1979 when Mas La Plana won the Gault & Millau Wine Olympics in Paris, beating some of the world’s most renowned Cabernets. This victory marked a significant milestone for Spanish wine on the global stage and underscored the potential of the Penedès region to produce world-class wines​​.

Sustainability and Innovation

Familia Torres is at the forefront of sustainable winemaking practices. The Torres & Earth program, initiated in 2008, aims to mitigate the impact of climate change by reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity. The winery has adopted regenerative viticulture practices to enhance soil health and capture atmospheric CO2, furthering their commitment to environmental stewardship​.

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2020)

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 94 Points (2019)

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 92 Points (2019)
Grown near Fompedraza, south of Peñafiel, this is a wine of indulgent richness, its vibrant red-currant and strawberry flavors turning purple in the shadow of blue-black tannins. There are no edges to it, the wine needing time to come into focus with air. It has a summery tomato-skin undertone giving a sunny warmth.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 91 Points (2019)
The 2019 Celeste Crianza is a Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and was aged for 12 months in a blend of French and American oak barrels split evenly between the two. Purple in hue. The reductive nose ranges from blood and herbs to sour cherry and plum. On the palate, it's dry and reasonably chalky, with reactive tannins that gain in depth thanks to the well-balanced acidity. This is a balanced red that delivers a modern twist on Ribera. (JH)

Torres Perpetual 2018
Torres Perpetual 2018
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JS
93
RP
93
WS
93
Torres Perpetual is a profound red wine deeply rooted in the history of DOQ Priorat, crafted from 80 to 100-year-old Cariñena and Garnacha vineyards. It’s an elegant expression of tradition, terroir, and winemaking artistry.
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Torres Salmos 2019
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RP
92
WE
93
TA
92
Torres Salmos is a captivating red wine from the DOQ Priorat, honoring the region’s ancient viticultural heritage and crafted from vineyards planted on iconic slate soils.
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Torres Mas La Plana 2018
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JS
94
RP
93
DCT
97
Torres Mas La Plana is an iconic Spanish wine from the prestigious Familia Torres. This exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the Penedès region and has been acclaimed worldwide for its remarkable quality and distinctive character.
87,00 €
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Torres Milmanda 2021
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RP
92
WE
97
VN
93
Torres Milmanda is a luxurious Chardonnay from the historic Conca de Barberà appellation, delivering a blend of elegance, complexity, and a connection to its medieval heritage.
64,90 €
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92
JS
90
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Torres Purgatori 2020
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RP
92
JS
94
DCT
95
Torres Purgatori is an exquisite red wine produced by Familia Torres, renowned for its rich history and exceptional quality. Crafted in the DO Costers del Segre region of Catalonia, Spain, Purgatori stands out for its deep, complex flavors and sustainable winemaking practices.
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Torres Grans Muralles 2019
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RP
94
JS
95
WS
93
Torres Grans Muralles is a majestic red wine from the DO Conca de Barberà, crafted with rare indigenous varieties like Garró and Querol, alongside traditional grapes, offering a profound connection to its historic vineyard.
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Torres Celeste Reserva 2018
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WE
93
JS
93
Torres Celeste Reserva is an exceptional expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) from the DO Ribera del Duero, capturing the elegance and intensity of the region’s high-altitude vineyards.
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Torres Mas de la Rosa 2019
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RP
97
Torres Mas de la Rosa 2019 is an extraordinary red wine from the DOQ Priorat, crafted from ancient Garnacha and Cariñena vines, reflecting the elegance and power of this prestigious appellation.
295,00 €
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JS
91
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92
WS
90
Torres Secret del Priorat is an elegant red blend from the DOQ Priorat, showcasing the region’s distinctive character and diversity through its harmonious blend of five grape varieties.
29,90 €
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