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Torres in the New World

Torres is the largest family owned producer of wine in Spain, and it has a lengthy history. Established in 1870, the business thrived. It survived the Spanish Civil War, and in the 1950's made a move towards quality with the import of experimental plantings including Cabernet Sauvignon and other French varieties, and a trend towards bottle rather than bulk sales. Today a significant part of Torres wines are exported, mainly to northern Europe and North America.

Miguel A. Torres took the helm in 1991, on the death of his father. Miguel has studied in Dijon, and he has a 'hands on' approach to wine making. He is a well known Spanish wine writer, and he runs a 220 hectare estate near Curicó in Chile. His sister, Marimar, is a San Francisco based food writer, who runs a 56 hectare estate in Sonoma, California.

These are tasting notes from some of their wines, tasted recently at the Portland Wine Company of Hale, in Greater Manchester. I was not blinded to the identities of the wines. Prices are as provided by Portland Wine. (15/11/00)

Torres in the New World - Tasting Notes

Tasted in November 2000. Click to locate stockists.

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) 2000: A pale wine, with a fresh and youthful nose, full of wet grass and lemon drops. Good acidity on the palate. Sharp, lemony fruit drops and grapefruit flavours. Good weight, not confected. 15/20 (£5.49)

Miguel Torres Maqueha Chardonnay (Chile) 1999: A lemon yellow hue to this wine. A somewhat estery nose of tropical fruit and apples. Apples and melons on the palate, with an appropriate application of French oak, and good acidity. 15/20 (£6.99)

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose (Chile) 1999: Pale pink. Red berry fruits on the nose. Dry, with soft acidity. Not really my thing. 14/20 (£4.99)

Miguel Torres Cordillera (Chile) 1998: A blend of Cariñena (Carignan), Syrah and Merlot. A dark purple wine. The nose has jammy, confected fruit, with Christmas cake and spices from the Merlot. Good weight and texture on the palate, and here again Merlot flavours seem to predominate. Soft tannins. 15/20 (£12.99)

Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile) 1996: A deep, rich colour. The nose carries ripe, tarry notes, with classic old furniture Cabernet aromas. Good fruit on the palate, correct acidity, tannins are still integrating. Needs a little more time still. 16/20 (£13.95)

Marimar Torres Chardonnay (California) 1996: Flat nose, most reminiscent of sweaty socks if anything. Palate short on fruit. Must be TCA. Not rated. (£15.95)

Marimar Torres Pinot Noir (California) 1998: A fairly deep red for Pinot. Primary aromas of cherry and blackberry fruit. No confected notes, which seems to be a major achievement for New World Pinot. Soft tannins and slightly harsh acidity, a good body, and pleasant red fruit flavours. Seems a little unknitted at present, so may improve. 15+?/20 (£18.49)