Torres Pazos Das Bruxas Albarino 2022

Region and Vineyards

The DO Rías Baixas, located in Galicia, Spain, is synonymous with Albariño, one of the world’s most celebrated white grape varieties. This coastal region enjoys a cool maritime climate, with abundant rainfall and granite-rich soils, which contribute to the grape’s characteristic freshness and minerality.

The name Pazo das Bruxas, meaning "House of the Witches," pays homage to the ancient Galician pazos—manor houses surrounded by forests and vineyards where local folklore says witches conjured magic. The growing season was marked by dry and warm conditions, with one of the earliest harvests in recent memory. Despite frost damage in spring, September rains balanced the grapes' sugar and acidity levels, ensuring a high-quality harvest.

Winemaking

This wine is made from 100% Albariño, sourced exclusively from the DO Rías Baixas. After a brief two-hour skin contact, the grapes underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures for 16 days, preserving their delicate aromatics and natural acidity. Bottling occurred in November, ensuring the wine retained its fresh and vibrant character.

The absence of oak aging highlights the purity of the Albariño grape, allowing the wine’s lively floral and citrus notes to take center stage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Luminous straw yellow, clear and vibrant.
• Aromas: Clean and intense, with floral notes complemented by ripe citrus aromas such as pineapple preserves and hints of lemon zest.
• Palate: Rich and flavorful, with a lush texture and seductive mid-palate. The bright acidity and elegant balance lead to a refreshing and satisfying finish.

Did you know?

The Albariño grape thrives in the humid, cool climate of Galicia, where it develops its hallmark freshness and aromatic intensity. The name Pazo das Bruxas honors the magical traditions of the region, blending folklore with the vibrancy of the vineyards.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with lemon butter: Highlights the wine’s citrusy freshness.
• Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil: Complements its minerality and vibrant acidity.
• Oysters on the half shell: Pairs perfectly with the wine’s clean, zesty profile.
• Manchego cheese with quince paste: Balances the wine’s lush texture and fruit-forward notes.

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​.