WINE INFORMATION
Familia Torres founded its first winery in Vilafranca del Penedes in 1870 but its roots in winegrowing date back to the 16th century. Five generations have carried the business forward, passing on their passion for wine culture from parents to children – a passion steeped in respect for land and tradition and a firm believe in innovation. Today the family focuses on wines from unique vineyards and historical estates, as well as the recovery of ancestral varieties. Altos Ibericos was Familia Torres’ first endeavor in the region of Rioja.
Rioja is located in north central Spain, and is named for the river (río) Oja. The area is sheltered by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains in the north and west, and protected from the rain-bearing Atlantic winds. Rioja is Spain’s best-known region for table wine, and Tempranillo is the king of Rioja, with Graciano, Mazuelo (Carignan), and Garnacha serving as advisors. There are several levels of red wine in Rioja, ranging from the young, unoaked joven to the Gran Reserva category. This wine is a crianza, meaning that it must be aged for a minimum of 2 years, with at least one year in casks.
Grapes for this wine were harvested and sorted by hand in October and fermented in tank. After both fermentations, the wine is racked to French and American oak barrels for 12 months, with some new oak. After that year the wine is bottled and aged for another 12 months before release.
FOOD PAIRING
Rioja is a great partner for the lamb and pork (jamón; dried, cured, and uncured sausages; roast suckling pig) popular in Spain. Its balsamic character pairs well with herbal preparations of a variety of foods; try using oregano, rosemary, thyme, and cilantro, and make ratatouille, grilled vegetables, vegetarian lasagna, or risotto with roasted vegetables. Pair with Jack, Manchego, or Mahón cheese.
Charcuterie, Cheese, Duck, Ham, Hearty stew, Lamb, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Vegetables, Wild Game
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