A pioneer
Established in 1870 in Penedès, Catalonia, the company has always been at the forefront. Closer to us chronologically, it was the change that Miguel A. Torres would instill in the 1960s that propelled the estate. After completing his oenological studies in France, he orchestrated the modernization of the cellar and refined winemaking techniques, which notably resulted in the use of stainless steel vats, and better control of aging in oak barrels.
"Climate change is the biggest threat for agriculture-based businesses."
Miguel A. Torres
Torres has also long distinguished itself by its support of various societal and environmental initiatives that are described later in this article. Mr. Torres, the company's president, has just been selected by US media TIME in its 2023 list of the 100 most influential leaders driving business to real climate action.* TIME has particularly valued Miguel A. Torres' involvement in the creation of the International Wineries for Climate Action association, which promotes the decarbonization of the wine sector, and his participation in SmartCrops 5.1, which applies technology to adapt viticulture to the current climate context.
*Read the interview on the TIME website.
An acclaimed cuvee
It was in 1979, at the "Wine Olympics" held in Paris by French gastronomic guide Gault & Millau, that Torres' famous Mas la Plana would thrust forward the bodega's recognition beyond its borders. In competition with the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, including Bordeaux grands crus, it obtained the highest score, nothing less. One example among many which testifies to the aura of constistancy and determination that characterizes the company.
A dedicated family
Concerned about the future of generations to come, Familia Torres shows it well by helping children of the world through its foundation. Since its creation in the 1980s, it partnered with over 400 school and orphanage projects. If a better world goes through education and the eradication of exclusion, so too does respect for the land that shelters us and nourishes us, which has also inspired its ecological shift for several years now.
Eco-responsible leader
With the same passion as in the development of its wines, the company has set itself ambitious but necessary aims. Well aware that global warming and the resulting disorders are intimately linked to it, it’s through a combination of sustained efforts that the bodega has succeeded in reducing its CO2 emissions by 27.6% in the last decade. A phenomenal result for the wine industry. And it’s thanks to a commitment to reinvest 11% of its net income in research and the establishment of sustainable development projects that it succeeds, which represents more than 15,000 million euros to date.
Involvement on all fronts
The devil is in the details. It’s by optimizing energy consumption through the deployment of eco-responsible constructions for its activities, but also by limiting its water needs through recovery and treatment systems, as well as by using renewable energy that positive results ensued. Their estate in the municipality of Pacs del Penedès has also acquired a biomass boiler, the largest in Spain, which allows them to cut down 95% of their natural gas requirements. A saving of 1,300 tonnes of CO2 per year. The switch to lightweight glass bottles is also part of the efforts being made.
Biodiversity in mind
If you believe that a healthier land will yield better wines, it’s a given to embrace organic vine culture, which certifies that no synthetic chemicals have been used. Going back to basics feels good, in the glass, and for all lifeforms in the vineyard. And if several of their cuvees were already organic, their introductory wine, Sangre de Toro, can now claim the same.
Faced with all this and the quality of the wines produced, all we can do is invite you to raise your glass to Torres. Cheers!
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