Clos Ancestral Red — 2022
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Introduction
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WINERY Familia Torres founded its first winery in Villafranca del Penedès in 1870, over 150 years ago, but its roots in the winegrowing traditions of Spain date back to the 16th century. Five generations have carried the family 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 belief in innovation. Today the family focuses on wines from unique vineyards and historical estates, as well as the recovery of ancestral varieties.
WINE Since the 1980s, Familia Torres have been recovering ancestral varieties to restore Catalonia’s viticultural heritage and combat climate change. Some of these varieties, like Moneu from Penedès, not only have great potential for winemaking but are also highly resistant to high temperatures and drought. We are thrilled to now include Moneu in the Clos Ancestral blend.
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Vineyard Profile
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Vineyards have existed around Castell de la Bleda for more than 2,000 years, a winegrowing enclave in the heart of Penedès, the region Familia Torres calls home. Winemaking vestiges have been found in the area which date back to Iberian, Roman and medieval times. The Moneu variety grows in deep, yellowish grey-brown soils with a loamy texture. They are poor in organic matter with high levels of calcium carbonate. The Tempranillo and Garnacha vines grow in calcareous clay soils.
- Appellation: Penedès
- Location: Catalunya
- Cultivation: Organic, Regeneratively farmed
- Soil: The Moneu variety grows in deep, yellowish greyish brown soils with a loamy texture. The Tempranillo and Garnacha vines grow in calcareous clay soils.
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Vintage Report
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In the Penedès region, 2022 was a very dry year. Precipitation levels stayed low throughout the growth season, especially towards the end, which was very dry and received negligible amounts of rainfall. Temperatures were higher than usual throughout the year with several heat waves during the spring and summer. Temperatures remained high during the ripening period as well.
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Vinification
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In stainless steel under controlled temperature. Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and second-fill barrels.
- Aging: Around 60% of the wine was fermented in second-fill barrels for 10 months, while the rest was fermented in stainless steel tanks. The Moneu variety was partially aged in vats and amphorae.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 50% Tempranillo 30% Garnacha, 20% Moneu
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5 g/L
- p H: 3.67
- RS: 5 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The wine exhibits a dark cherry red color. It’s nose is intense, filled with ripe fruit notes such as raspberry jam, complemented by toasted nuances and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is robust, supported by fine, pleasing tannins.
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Images
Reviews
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Clos Ancestral Red — 2022 – James Suckling – 91 Points
"A simple, ripe Penedes that remains transparent, with bramble berries, dried herbs and ripe red cherries. This is round and balanced, with medium acidity and a medium body on the palate and a textured finish to close."