Miguel Torres Celeste 2006

Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, Spain
$25-29
+384040 Available at BC Liquor Stores
www.torreswines.com

Earlier this week I sat down with Mr. Toni Batet, Export Director and Sommelier from Torres Barcelona, for a whirlwind round the world tasting tour. The Torres family has made wine since the 17th Century in the Catalan town of Vilafranca del Penedès, and officially, under the house of Torres since 1870. Now, 5 generations in, Torres makes numerous wines across Spain and also in Chile and California.

We tasted wines from the supremely quaffable (Vina Esmeralda, Penedès, Spain ~ $14.50) up through to supremely impressive (Cab Sauv from 100 year old vines – Manso de Velasco, Central Valley, Chile ~ $45.00). But a highlight for me was the Celeste (sel-EST-ay). This 100% Tempranillo (also known as Tinto Fino) from high altitude vineyards in Ribera Del Duero takes its name from the celestial heavens, seemingly within reach. In the vineyard, at 895 metres altitude, it is said “you can almost touch the stars.” The striking label is a depiction of the constellations seen if you look straight up when you’re standing in the vineyard. And this intense wine seems as full and dark as the night sky. The cool climate has yielded lovely dark blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. Rich and textured dark fruit, peppery spice, espresso and aged wood fill the full palate, cushioned with ripe tannins and concentrated flavours. A lovely wine to wrap yourself up in – under a starlit sky.

Spain is the theme region at next year’s Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival and Miguel Torres himself will be attending. Mr. Torres and his fine wines will be featured at a seminar with Anthony Gismondi called “Miguel Torres: The Legacy of a Spanish Visionary” and at a special winery dinner with Boneta Restaurant titled “Spanish Legend: An Evening with Miguel Torres.” Rápido! See you there!

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This intense wine seems as full and dark as the night sky. High altitude vineyards have yielded intense dark blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. Rich and textured black fruit, peppery spice, espresso and old wood fill the full palate, cushioned with ripe tannins and concentrated flavours. A lovely wine to wrap yourself up in – under a starlit eve.