Torres, is one of the most admirable wine brands in Spain and worldwide. The Torres Family is  one Spain’s leading wine dynasty and the  number one world’s most recognizable Spanish brand. Torres is also the family winery with the most extensive vineyards in the Denomination of Origin (DO) of Penedès and the largest winery in Spain. They also run overseas wine proyects such as   the Miguel Torres Chile winery in the Chilean Central Valley, and in the United States (California) when in 1986 Marimar Torres founded Marimar Estate. In Spain outside of the Torres family’s native Penedès region, they own vineyards in the DO Conca de Barberà, DO Toro, DO Jumilla, DO Ribera del Duero, DOQ Priorat and most recently in DOC Rioja .Moreover, Torres is also Spain’s largest producer of DO wines under its own label, exporting to more than 140 countries. Torres made two significant contributions to the development of enology in Spain: First, the use of fermentation at controlled temperatures, and second wine maturation  in small oak barrels as  as has been a habitual practice in Bordeaux for many centuries.

Bodegas Torres was founded by Jaime Torres and his brother in 1870 in Vilafranca del Penedes. During the Spanish Civil War the winery was bombarded, leaving everything in ruins. Miguel Torres Carbó, a fourth generation member of the family, rebuilt the winery in 1940 and started business up again. He was a pioneer in state bottling. During World War II, Miguel Torres traveled to the United States to promote his wines.It was in this period that the brands Sangre de Toro, Viña Sol and Coronas first came into the market. In 1966 work started on the planting of  internationalgrape varieties: at first Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and later on Merlot, Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. This is a pretty impressive resume. Both wines tasted below, regularly available at the SAQ are some of the best values available in the province of Quebec and Ontario

Torres Coronas 2011. SAQ Code:  00029728. Price: $14.40. LCBO Code: 29728

A blend of mostly tempranillo with some Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, aromas of ripe red plums, black cherry with vinous nuances and green cofee. In the mouth, full body, fresh with generous fruit. Savoury nuances of oak, vanilla and leather. A bit tannic but showing nice lenght and a long finale. Excellent quality for the price paid. 88\100. Weekday wine for for a simple bbq of grilled meats. Also it makes a nice food match with roasted pork loin in a mustard and rosemary sauce.

Torres Ibéricos 2011. SAQ Code: 11180342. Price: $18.25. LCBO Code: 381046

Ibéricos  name is inspired from Alto Otero, a pretty place where the winery is situated in the town of Labastida, north of the Iberian Peninsula. On the nose, aromas of cedar, tobacco pipe with lots of ripe red fruit character. On the mouth, full body. Rich and velevety on the palate with well endowed tannins. Flavors remind of spices and balsamic notes. Generous finale. A well made crianza. Long and classy finale. 92\100. It goes really well with a grilled Merguez sausage and Spanish saffron rice.

Torres is represented in Quebec by Amphora Vins Fins et Spiritueux and in Ontario by Family Wine Merchants.

Cheers!!!