The D.O. Penedès stands out for the notable presence of French varieties, among them merlot, one of the most emblematic of the neighboring country. This grape has achieved excellent adaptation to the climate and soil of this Catalan region, where Familia Torres, Spain's most internationally recognized winery, is also located. Their Atrium Merlot 2023 is an organic wine with a modern style and affordable price, which has undergone a brief barrel aging. Fruity notes predominate, with a rounded palate and soft tannins, making it an easy-to-drink and highly enjoyable option.
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General features
General Information
One of the priorities of Familia Torres is the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment, which is why organic wines are their main focus. Atrium Merlot 2023 is an organic wine made 100% from Merlot grapes. It comes from a vintage that provided perfect grape health conditions, allowing the production of complex and aromatic red wines with good structure on the palate.
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes underwent maceration for 8 to 9 days. Subsequently, alcoholic fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks with temperature control for approximately one week at 20 °C. Finally, the wine underwent a short aging of one month in French oak barrels.
The Torres family name has been linked to winemaking in the Penedès region since the 17th century, although the official founding date of the winery is set in 1870. Generation after generation, this company based in Vilafranca del Penedès (Barcelona) has remained in family hands, becoming today arguably the most well-known Spanish winery in the world. Familia Torres has grown into a major exporting company with a presence in more than 140 countries.
A winery with a portfolio of brands recognized worldwide, including enological gems as well as accessible wines. Their philosophy is based on harmonizing modern viticulture and winemaking with traditional techniques. Over its long history, it has acquired the best estates, reaching over 2,000 hectares of its own vineyards. It was a pioneer in introducing foreign grape varieties to Spain in the 1970s and continues to be identified with innovation today.
Familia Torres is a member of Primum Familiae Vini, an association comprising twelve of the most prestigious centenary winemaking families in Europe, and a co-founder of International Wineries for Climate Action, which promotes the decarbonization of the sector.
The red Atrium Merlot 2023 (D.O. Penedès) is an organic and vegan red wine that pairs well with dishes such as garlic rabbit, meat lasagna, grilled mushrooms, or desserts like a chocolate ‘coulant.’
Tasting notes
Intense cherry color.
Delicious fruity aroma (blackberry jam) with an elegant and unique hint reminiscent of orange peel.
On the palate, it is round, full-bodied, with very fine and fragrant tannins. Persistent.
Creators' opinion
Voices of ancient villages resonate among old vineyards. Songs of celebration and festivity, of gratitude to the land and the soil. Voices of our culture and our roots.
The winery
Since their beginnings as winemakers in 1870, the Familia Torres has combined tradition and innovation in the production of prestigious wines and brandies, always working with the utmost respect for the environment. Linked to the land for more than three centuries – with the first references as winegrowers dating back to 1559 – they have historically had wineries and vineyards in Penedès, where they originate, as well as in Conca de Barberà, Priorat, and Costers del Segre. Each generation has contributed to the development of the business and passed on to the next the passion for wine culture, the importance of caring for the land, and the pursuit of excellence.
The fourth generation, led by Miguel A. Torres, introduced the cultivation of cabernet sauvignon in Spain, creating 'Mas la Plana' in 1970, while the fifth generation today focuses on producing wines from unique vineyards and historic estates, as well as recovering ancestral Catalan grape varieties. This project allows for the recovery of viticultural heritage and could become a future solution to climate change due to the ability of these varieties to withstand high temperatures and drought. Additionally, Familia Torres contributes to minimizing the consequences by reducing their CO2 emissions, from the vineyard to the consumer, through the use of renewable energy, sustainable vehicles, energy efficiency measures, reducing bottle weight, regenerative viticulture, reforestation, and more. Their goal is to become a zero net emissions winery by 2040.
Familia Torres is also present with its own vineyards and wineries in Spain's main wine regions – Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Rías Baixas – as well as in Chile and California. They are members of Primum Familiae Vini, an association that brings together twelve of Europe's most prestigious centenary wine-producing families. Familia Torres owns more than 1,100 hectares of vineyards in Spain, 1,000 of which are located in Catalunya and certified as organic by the CCPAE. Most of the vineyards are cultivated using regenerative viticulture techniques.