Brandy Torres: history, how it is made, types + how to drink
One of the most popular Spanish drinks, premium grape brandy, is produced by a family-owned company founded in Catalonia in the late 19th century. Today, the company owns vineyards not only at home, but also in California and Chile, choosing only the best terroirs for planting.
Over the years, five generations of winemakers have changed in the board of Torres, but the traditions and quality of the products have always remained unchanged. Striving for excellence is the main principle of the company's work.
The farm produces classic wines and spirits exclusively from its own raw materials. Many of them belong to the elite categories: DO (controlled by the region of origin), DOC (superior quality), Reserva and Gran Reserva (aged).
Brand history
It is assumed that the Torres family began to engage in viticulture and small-scale wine sales in the XVIII century.
However, the date of the company's founding is generally considered to be 1870, when brothers Jaime and Miguel officially registered their joint business.
The most significant year for the company was 1929, when numerous experiments and searches for successful technologies led to the creation of a unique drink with a mild flavor based on selected white wines.
The original brandy took root among the Spanish population and instantly glorified the Torres brand.
The Civil War shook the company's financial situation a little, but soon the farm started working in full force and regained its lost ground.
The plant underwent a large-scale reconstruction in 1939, and in the 60s, the technology of growing vines was modernized.
By the end of the 70s, the Torres brand had successfully mastered the American wine market, and a short time later - the world market.
Today, the company's products are sold and are popular in 150 countries, due to their high quality and recognizable taste.
Specifics of production
Torres brandy is made using Spanish cognac technology. It includes the traditional distillation of wine in a still and further processing by the "solera" method.
A unique system of aging liquids is used only in Spain. It allows you to activate the maturation of the drink and give it a bright character.
The technology provides:
Placing the alcoholic distillate in oak barrels arranged in tiers in the form of a pyramid (from 3 to 7 layers). The youngest wine is in the top one, the oldest one is in the bottom one.
Using the contents of different barrels, which are never completely emptied, to create the finished brandy.
Gradual replenishment of the lower tanks with maturing products from the upper layers, which ensures uniform movement of drinks and homogeneous composition of each batch of distillate.
According to the Spaniards, this unusual method allows young spirits to share their strength and energy with the old, and the old to pass on some of their "wisdom and experience" to the young. Almost like in human society.
Classification of Torres brandy
All spirits of the brand, as well as any products made by the solera method, are divided into 3 categories:
Solera - young drinks aged in oak barrels for at least six months.
Solera Reserva - products aged for at least 3 years.
Solera Gran Reserva - "the "most stable" drinks, aged in oak for more than 5 years, on average 8-12.
Types of Torres brandy
Jaime I
A noble, aromatic drink made from Parellada white wines distilled in copper stills and aged in American oak barrels.
To obtain the best blend, the youngest and oldest products from the solera vessels are mixed to create the drink.
After long maturation, the brandy acquires a sensual fruity flavor with subtle woody, spicy and nutty notes.
The shade of the drink resembles dark wood, vanilla and caramel are present in the aroma.
Torres 5
A young drink with a bright and playful character, aged using the "solera" method.
The shade is dominated by mahogany with soft golden highlights.
Bouquet: deep, dense, with tones of wood, walnut and dried fruit.
Aftertaste: spicy-vanilla with a light cinnamon trail.
Torres 10
The most popular Spanish brandy of the "Gran Reserva" class in the world.
A harmonious bouquet and strong character are given to the drink by elegant oily oak shades and powerful fruit tones of noble wines.
The aroma has cinnamon and vanilla notes.
The taste is round, warm, rich in tannins.
Torres 15
The delicate and rich taste of this product can satisfy the most demanding gourmet.
The bouquet contains notes of vanilla, dried fruits, citrus, burnt wood.
Color - amber with gold. The aroma is delicate and elegant.
Torres 20 Hors d'Age
A drink made from Parellada and Uni Blanc varieties, double distilled in a copper cube and aged in selected oak barrels.
The shade of the noble brandy is dark amber, the aroma is warm, deep, fruity, with a delicate nutty trail.
The taste is dominated by spices: vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon.
Different types of brandy have received many international awards. The most titled are "Jaime I" and "Torres 20 Hors d'Age".
Recommendations for use
According to tradition, Torres spirits should be drunk after a meal in its pure form.
A red meat appetizer or a cigarette and coffee are allowed.
Chocolate is considered a harmonious combination for women.
If the brandy seems too strong, you can dilute it with soda, orange juice or throw a few ice cubes into the glass.
It is not recommended to drink the drink warm.
Update: 25.12.2018
Category: Brandy and Cognac