Torres : Mas de la Rosa Vinyes Velles 2016

A Classic and Powerful Old Vine Priorat

Founded in 1870 by Jaime Torres Vendrell and his brother Miguel Torres Vendrell, the Torres wine company has burgeoned in just a century and a half into the most recognized Spanish wine brand, a veritable empire of vines built on excellence. Today, it is the 5th generation of the family who runs the 3,200 acres of estate vineyards, spread out over the best DOC and DO appellations of Spain, as well as China, California and Chile. The "Mas de la Rosa Vinyes Velles" cuvée by Familia Torres is a classic Priorat, comprising a blend of Garnacha (Grenache) and Carinena (Carignan) fruit. The grapes are harvested from very old vines, aged 80 years or more, planted on the very steep slopes of the family's tiny 4.7-hectare Mas de la Rosa vineyard in the DOC Priorat appellation of Catalonia, Spain. The appellation's iconic "llicorella" dark schist soils are responsible for a certain minerality expressed in this wine. The high altitude at which the vines are planted gives the wine a freshness and acidity. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with 12-14 days of maceration on the skins. It is then aged in French oak barrels for 16 months.

The 2016 vintage in Priorat was characterized by a dry winter, followed by a rainy early spring and a very dry summer. The summer temperatures were moderate enough to allow for a gradual ripening of the fruit. Some very hot days in September finally accelerated the ripening, resulting in perfectly mature fruit in time for the harvest.

Considered the "most heroic wine" of the Torres lineup, the Mas de la Rosa Vinyes Velles expresses in the glass its gem-like terroir. This wine is quite rare, produced in a very limited production of only 2,059 bottles in the 2016 vintage. The Mas de la Rosa Vinyes Velles 2016by Familia Torres reveals gorgeous notes of ripe and spicy black plums and chocolate on the nose. On the palate, this red Priorat expresses a very strong acidity and fierce, powerful tannins, which will smooth over with age. The perfect wine to enjoy with grilled lamb chops or venison.