Torres Purgatori 2020

Torres Purgatori 2020

 

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Torres
Purgatori 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Spain
  • Region :
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 40% Grenache, 30% Cariñena, 30% Syrah

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 92 2020
JS James Suckling 94 2018
DCT Decanter 95 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Purgatori estate is located in the rugged and arid region of Les Garrigues, within DO Costers del Segre. The estate spans 200 hectares, with 50 hectares dedicated to producing the Purgatori wine.

The vineyards are situated at varying altitudes, reaching up to 550 meters. This altitude, combined with the extreme continental climate characterized by significant temperature fluctuations and minimal rainfall, creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes. The soil is very deep, well-drained, and has a moderately fine texture with high levels of calcium and low organic matter content, contributing to the wine's aromatic intensity and complexity ​.

Winemaking

Torres Purgatori is composed of a blend of Carignan, Garnacha, and Syrah grapes. The winemaking process includes 8-12 days of skin contact and fermentation in both cement and stainless steel tanks, followed by 100% malolactic fermentation in barrels.

The wine is aged for 9-12 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, enhancing its complexity and depth. The wine's technical specifications include an alcohol level of 14.5%, a pH of 3.81, total acidity of 5.36 g/L, and a residual sugar content of 0.4 g/L ​​.

Did You Know?

The history of the Purgatori estate dates back to 1770 when monks from the Abbey of Montserrat settled in the harsh lands of L’Aranyó as penance. They worked to cultivate the land and discovered its potential for producing exceptional wine. The name "Purgatori" reflects the arduous conditions the monks endured, and the wine is a tribute to their legacy ​.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, intense garnet.
  • Aroma: Rich and expressive, featuring notes of blueberry, morello cherry jam, and spicy black pepper, along with undertones of dried fruits such as figs, dates, and prunes, complemented by toasty oak nuances.
  • Palate: Light and velvety with a delicate structure. The flavors are persistent and pleasant, showcasing bold cherry and blackberry notes, balanced by hints of mocha, caramel, and clove. A bright splash of acidity enhances the wine’s overall harmony

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Ribeye Steak: The robust tannins and rich fruit flavors of Purgatori complement the savory, juicy qualities of a grilled ribeye steak.
  • Lamb Chops with Rosemary: The wine’s herbal notes and bright acidity balance the rich, gamey flavors of lamb chops seasoned with rosemary.
  • Aged Manchego Cheese: The complexity and depth of Purgatori enhance the sharp, nutty characteristics of aged Manchego cheese​​.

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​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 92 Points (2020)
The red 2020 Purgatori was produced with a blend of 75% Garnacha and 25% Cariñena (no more Syrah) from vines planted in 2000 at a high altitude (for Costers del Segre) on sandy and limestone soils in a very dry and healthy zone. It fermented in concrete and stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in 2,000-liter foudres (introduced in 2018) and in new and used barriques for a total of 15 months. The wine has 14.5% alcohol and nice balance and juiciness. It is ripe and a bit heady, reflecting a much warmer year, with a fruit-driven nose and notes of plums. There was less humidity there, so there were less problems with fungus. The wine has concentration and abundant tannins. They want to do only one wine from this estate in Costers del Segre.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2018)
A big, powerful red for this part of Spain, but it also has a lot of spicy depth with subtle meaty and wild-herb notes. And behind the richness the tannins are silky, the balance spot-on, in spite of 14.5% alcohol. Very long, fresh and elegant finish that pulls you back for more.

Decanter (DCT) : 95 Points (2016)
Elegant and complex nose of dark bramble and blueberry fruit. Rounded in the mouth with well-integrated wood. Tannins are in the background, as the lively acidity loads up the palate with sparkle and zing. Great stuff.

Torres Perpetual 2018
Torres Perpetual 2018
Torres
Perpetual 2018
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.
59,90 €
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Torres Salmos 2019
Torres Salmos 2019
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Salmos 2019
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.
35,90 €
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Torres Celeste Crianza 2020
Torres Celeste Crianza 2020
Torres
Celeste Crianza 2020
JS
92
WE
94
W&S
92
Celeste Crianza combines tradition, innovation, and the distinctive characteristics of Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), making it a memorable representation of Ribera del Duero’s viticulture.
22,90 €
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Torres Mas La Plana 2018
Torres Mas La Plana 2018
Torres
Mas La Plana 2018
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
Torres Milmanda 2021
Torres
Milmanda 2021
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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Torres Pazos Das Bruxas Albarino 2022
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92
JS
90
Torres Pazo das Bruxas Albariño is a luminous white wine from the DO Rías Baixas, embodying the spirit and vitality of the Galician terroir through its 100% Albariño composition.
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Torres Grans Muralles 2019
Torres Grans Muralles 2019
Torres
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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.
36,90 €
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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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Torres Secret del Priorat 2022
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JS
91
WS
90
RP
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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Wine regions guide
35,90 €
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