In the heart of Priorat, one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, lies the historic Familia Torres winery. Established in 1870 in the picturesque town of Vilafranca del Penedès, this family-run estate has long been a pioneer in winemaking, remaining deeply rooted in tradition yet embracing innovation. With over 150 years of history, Familia Torres is celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability and its remarkable Antologia Collection, which includes its vinicultural crown jewel – Mas de la Rosa.
Mas de la Rosa stands out as the most exclusive among the Familia Torres wines, a testament to the vision of Miguel Torres Maczassek, the fifth generation of the Torres family who sought to capture the singular personality of a small, ancient vineyard in Priorat called Mas de la Rosa. Planted over 80 years ago with indigenous varieties Cariñena and Garnacha, the 1.9-hectare vineyard sits on steep hillsides with characteristically rocky terrain. Here, the freestanding vines’ roots extend far into the ground’s depths, carving their niche among the jagged, laminated Llicorella slate that protrudes on the surface.
Hidden in a secluded corner of the village of Porrera and only accessible through a narrow, winding, unpaved road, Mas de la Rosa’s location, elevation and orientation contribute to the natural coolness that imparts great elegance and finesse to the wine. The shallow soils, which are relatively acidic and have little organic matter, give this red beauty its distinctively bold and charismatic personality. The first vintage, crafted by winemaker Jordi Foraster, was unveiled in 2016, serving as an ode to its birthplace and embodying the all that makes this terroir unique, including the history of its people and the beauty of the natural surroundings. Now, a mere 2,000 bottles are produced annually, reflecting the limited and exclusive nature of this outstanding wine.
A showcase of a profound passion for winemaking, Mas de la Rosa is the result of meticulous manual vineyard work, with every precaution taken to protect the fruit’s integrity as well as safeguard the natural landscape. Once the grapes are hand-picked, the careful winemaking process emphasises gentle extractions and concludes with 19 months of barrel ageing in new French oak 1000-litre foudres. This delicate approach preserves the true expression of the terroir, capturing the essence of Priorat with remarkable grace and grandeur.
Miguel Torres expressed his admiration for Mas de la Rosa, stating, “It is one of the most charming places in Priorat, a sheltered, secluded vineyard that opens up to visitors like an amphitheatre. This is undoubtedly our greatest gem, a vineyard that has everything it takes to make a great wine.”
Mas de la Rosa proudly belongs to the Antologia Miguel Torres wine collection, a selection of the five most iconic wines from Familia Torres. The collection, initiated over 50 years ago by Miguel A. Torres, epitomises the winery’s dedication to quality, individuality and sustainability. All wines in the Antologia Collection exhibit a distinct identity, a strong sense of place, varietal character and freshness.
Technical Insight into Mas de la Rosa
DOQ: Priorat
Grape varieties: Cariñena and Garnacha
Alcohol level: 14% vol.
Winemaking process: Small stainless steel tanks, 11 days of skin contact, 7-8 days of alcoholic fermentation at 22ºC, 19 months ageing in new French oak 1000-litre foudres.
Bottling month: January of 2023
Number of bottles produced: Standard (75 cl): 1078 | Magnum (150 cl): 43 | Jeroboam (300 cl): 17
Awards: A testament to its excellence, Mas de la Rosa has received high acclaim, including 95 points from JamesSuckling.com and Wine Spectator for the 2020 vintage and 96+ points from Wine Advocate for the 2019 vintage.
Vintage Comments and Future Potential: The 2020 vintage faced challenges, including higher-than-average precipitation and downy mildew outbreaks. Despite these, Mas de la Rosa prevailed, earning accolades for its exceptional quality. Stored under proper conditions, the wine is expected to hold its potential for the next 10-15 years.
With roots tracing back to the 16th century, Familia Torres has been an integral part of Spain’s wine-growing traditions through the ages. With the family passing down its passion for wine from parents to children over the years, the fifth generation continues the winery’s legacy today, focusing on exceptional vineyards, historic estates and the revival of ancestral grape varieties. In hopes of safeguarding the future of the planet and its winemaking activities, Familia Torres actively addresses climate change, engaging in regenerative viticulture since 2008. It is also the co-founder of International Wineries for Climate Action and the Association of Regenerative Viticulture, further signifying the company’s dedication to sustainability.
Although it produces four wines from Priorat, Familia Torres’s presence extends beyond its 75 hectares of vineyards in this region. In addition, it owns vineyards and wineries in other renowned Spanish wine areas – Penedès, Conca de Barberà, Costers del Segre, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda and Rías Baixas – as well as international territories, including Chile and California. As a member of Primum Familiae Vini, the winery represents one of the oldest and most prestigious wine families globally, highlighting its commitment to excellence.
To find out more about Familia Torres and its wines, visit the links below:
Miguel Torres, SA
M. Torres, 6
Vilafranca del Penedès
08720 Barcelona
Spain
Web: torres.es
Tel: +34 93 8177400
Online Shop: petitceller.comfamilia-torres
Instagram: @familiatorres1870
Facebook: @familiatorresoficial