Torres Grans Muralles 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Grans Muralles vineyard lies at the foot of the historic Cistercian Wall, which once protected the Poblet Monastery during the Mercenary Wars. This vineyard, located in the DO Conca de Barberà in Catalonia, Spain, is renowned for its unique combination of deep, stony soils and ancient viticultural history.

The soils consist of Paleozoic slate and granite gravel beds, which are rocky, well-drained, and low in water retention. These characteristics, combined with the vineyard’s mineral richness, foster the production of wines with exceptional typicity, concentration, and quality. The Torres family has replanted these vineyards with a mix of traditional varieties such as Cariñena and Monastrell, as well as nearly extinct indigenous grapes like Garró and Querol, using modern techniques to revive these historical varietals.

Winemaking

This vintage was relatively dry, with normal spring temperatures and a warmer-than-usual summer. Rainfall was scarce, ensuring small, concentrated berries, and the dry conditions persisted throughout the growing season. Mild temperatures in September and October allowed for a gradual ripening of all grape varieties. However, a torrential rainstorm in late October brought 156 mm of rain in a single day, marking a dramatic end to the season.

The blend consists of Cariñena, Garnacha, Querol, Monastrell, and Garró, each contributing to the wine’s complexity and depth. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures, followed by a 12-18 day maceration to extract color and structure. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barriques and foudres, with 50% new barrels and 25% foudres made from fine-grained Tronçais oak. This careful aging process enhanced the wine’s texture and complexity while preserving its fruit character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple hues, indicating concentration and youth.
• Aromas: A rich bouquet of blackberries, ripe cherries, and Mediterranean herbs, with hints of licorice, graphite, and a subtle smokiness.
• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and a mineral core. The fine tannins and fresh acidity create a long, elegant finish, showcasing balance and power.

Did you know?

The name Grans Muralles, meaning "Great Walls," refers to the Cistercian Wall that borders the vineyard, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of this site. The Torres family’s efforts to revive rare grape varieties like Garró and Querol contribute to preserving Catalonia’s rich viticultural heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised lamb shank with rosemary and thyme: Complements the wine’s earthy and herbal undertones.
• Venison stew with wild mushrooms: Enhances the wine’s depth and robust structure.
• Grilled eggplant with smoked paprika: Matches the wine’s smoky and mineral notes.
• Aged Manchego cheese: Balances the wine’s fruit concentration and fine tannins.

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​.