Familia Torres: A Journey Through Generations and Continents.
In the heart of Catalonia, Spain, Familia Torres has been crafting exceptional wines for over 150 years. Our recent interview with Mr. Miguel A. Torres, the current president of Familia Torres, provides a glimpse into the history, philosophy, and innovative spirit that have propelled this winery to global prominence.
A Brief History
Founded in 1870, Familia Torres has remained a family-owned winery, with each generation contributing to its growth and reputation. Mr. Miguel A. Torres, representing the fourth generation, shared insights into the winery’s evolution. His father pioneered the bottling of wines during World War II, replacing French wines that were in short supply. This pivotal move marked the beginning of Torres’ journey to international acclaim.
Expansion Beyond Catalonia
While the winery’s roots are firmly planted in Catalonia, its branches extend far beyond. Familia Torres has established vineyards in various renowned wine regions of Spain and even ventured into the New World, with significant investments in Chile since 1979 and in California since 1982. This diversification not only reflects a strategic business approach but also a passion for exploring and embracing different terroirs and climates.
Ventures in Chile
The Torres family’s connection with Chile began in 1979, a decision driven by both opportunity and necessity. During the interview, Mr. Torres shared his father’s experience during the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent decision to diversify geographically to mitigate risk. The Central Valley of Chile, with its favorable climate and hospitable people, became the chosen site for their first international vineyard.
Torres has since become a pioneer in the Chilean wine industry, producing wines that highlight the unique terroirs of the region. Their operations in Chile, under the name Miguel Torres , are notable not only for their quality but also for their commitment to sustainability. This expansion has allowed Torres to introduce Chilean wines to the global market, adding a new dimension to their portfolio.
Expansion to California
In 1982, the Torres family established a presence in California, one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. Led as a separate company by Marimar Torres, the Californian venture focuses on producing premium wines in Sonoma County. Marimar Estate has gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, wines that reflect both the heritage of the Torres family and the distinctive characteristics of Californian terroir.
Influence in Spain
In Spain, Familia Torres has continued to grow and innovate. The fifth generation, represented by Miguel and Mireia Torres, has spearheaded new projects in regions like Priorat, Costers del Segre, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Rueda, and Rías Baixas. These initiatives have allowed Torres to produce a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroirs of these celebrated regions.
Innovation and Tradition
Familia Torres is a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Mr. Torres recounted the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1960s, a bold move that paid off when their Mas La Plana wine triumphed over French competitors in a Paris contest in 1979. This success solidified Torres’ reputation for producing world-class wines.
In addition to international varieties, the winery has been dedicated to reviving indigenous Spanish grapes. Their efforts have resulted in unique and exceptional wines that stand out in a crowded market.
Climate Change and Sustainability
A significant part of our discussion with Mr. Torres revolved around climate change, a challenge that the winery has proactively addressed. Inspired by Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” Torres implemented the “Torres and Earth” program in 2008. This initiative focuses on adaptation, emission reduction, and influencing global wine industry practices.
One notable achievement is the reduction of the winery’s carbon emissions by nearly 40%, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Furthermore, Familia Torres co-founded the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), a collective of wineries committed to sustainable practices.
Spotlight on the 2018 Mas La Plana
One of the crowning achievements of Familia Torres is the Mas La Plana wine, which gained global recognition when its inaugural 1970 vintage triumphed over some of the world’s greatest Cabernets at the Gault & Millau Wine Olympics in Paris in 1979. Together with Mr. Torres we shared a bottle of this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that has brought the family great success.
The Mas La Plana vineyard is distributed across ten plots, with loamy soils at the lower levels and marlstone at the higher elevations. These old Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in the 1960s, thrive under the Mediterranean climate, producing wines that epitomize balance and character. Mas La Plana has become a symbol of excellence in DO Penedès, reflecting the rich heritage and innovative spirit of the Torres family.
This wine cemented its status as a legendary wine, showcasing the vision of Miguel A. Torres and the potential of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Mas La Plana continues to reflect the exceptional balance and adaptation of its old vines, representing the pinnacle of premium winemaking.
Tasting Notes and Review
The 2018 vintage of Mas La Plana possesses remarkable depth and elegance. In the glass, it presents a deep, dark ruby hue. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrants and blackberries, intertwined with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco, and hints of dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with a harmonious balance between the ripe fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins. The mid-palate reveals layers of complexity, with nuances of vanilla, spice, and a touch of minerality that reflect the unique terroir of the vineyard. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and finesse.
The 2018 Mas La Plana is a testament to Familia Torres’s commitment to excellence in winemaking. Its rich history, innovative approach, and dedication to sustainability are all encapsulated in this outstanding wine.
To learn more about this wine you can read the full review here.
Global Influence and Activities
Familia Torres’ influence extends beyond winemaking into environmental stewardship and industry leadership. The family’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by their Torres & Earth program, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity.
Their pioneering role in the International Wineries for Climate Action has inspired over 150 wineries worldwide to adopt sustainable practices. This initiative underscores Familia Torres’ dedication to mitigating climate change and ensuring the long-term health of the global wine industry.
In addition to their environmental efforts, the Torres family is deeply involved in philanthropic activities. They support various cultural and educational initiatives, reflecting their belief in giving back to the community and fostering the next generation of wine enthusiasts and professionals.
Family and the Future
The future of Familia Torres looks promising, with the fifth generation already contributing to the winery’s success. Mr. Torres’ children, Mireia and Miguel, are actively involved in the business, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Mireia, for instance, played a crucial role in developing the winery’s non-alcoholic wine range, which has become increasingly popular.
As Mr. Torres prepares to retire as president, he remains optimistic about the winery’s future. He emphasized the importance of family involvement and the spontaneous development of interest and expertise in winemaking among his children.
Conclusion
Familia Torres is not just a winery; it’s a legacy of passion, innovation, and resilience. From its humble beginnings in Catalonia to its global presence today, the Torres family has continually pushed the boundaries of winemaking. As the winery navigates the challenges of climate change and a dynamic market, it remains committed to producing exceptional wines that honor both tradition and innovation.
For wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, Familia Torres offers valuable lessons in sustainability, family business dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence. As we raise a glass of their exquisite Mas La Plana, we toast to a future filled with promise and continued success for the Torres family.
Grape Masters
Mr. Torres is also our guest in episode 4 of our podcast Grape Masters. You can listen to this personal interview on your favorite Podcast player. More information on the episode can be found here.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts. Familia Torres wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Walraven-Sax, and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
