Torres: Value, History and Integrity in Every Bottle

The Torres name is one of the most powerful in Spanish wine, not to mention quality Spanish wine. Given the enormous range of wines in numbers of labels and in price points made by the Torres family, this is all the more remarkable. With the Torres name, you buy consistently good quality, whichever the wine.

Moreover, the family is deeply dedicated to environmental responsibility and forward-thinking wine concepts. A good example from these two wines is that the Viña Sol Original in a Certified Vegan wine. While not represented in this tasting, the family also makes dealcoholised and low-alcohol wines. Impressively, the Torres family integrates this forward thinking in their heritage wine lines. Sangre de Toro came to market in 1954, followed by the Viña Sol brand in 1962.

These dry, easy-drinking and widely-available wines offer very good value. (Their collective SRP is $13, but they frequently sell for $10-12.) Both offer a wide array of food pairing possibilities, making them a good staple to keep on hand year-round.

84
Torres 2019 Viña Sol Original Catalunya 12% $13
A dry white blend of Parellada splashed with White Garnacha, or Garnacha Blanca, this is an casual, light wine with reserved fruit character, a smooth palate feel and mild acidity. The Garnacha Blanca's white flower notes nicely accent the wine's predominant lemon and grapefruit flavors. There is a faint touch of nuttiness on the short finish. This is a great wine for fans of unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris who are curious about Spanish white wines.
Drink: 2020-21 

86
Torres 2018 Tempranillo Sangre de Toro La Mancha 14.5% $13
Mulberries and black cherries spring from the nose of this deep, ruby-colored wine. With air, a light and intriguing earthiness surfaces to expand this youthful, unoaked wine's complexity. The attack is nicely plump in the mid-palate and framed by lilting acidity but very gentle tannins. It's almost as though they are in hiding! It's a surprisingly refreshing red at 14.5% abv, and the high alcohol isn't noticeable on the palate. In fact, the wine shows such poise that it feels more medium-plus than full-bodied. A tasty wine with excellent sippability, this offers broad appeal despite the quick finish.
Drink: 2020-22