The elegance of the high plateau: fruit, finesse, and character
In the high banks of the Duero, where the plateaus of Peñafiel merge with a star-studded sky, a red wine is born that embodies altitude, serenity, and character: Celeste Crianza 2022. Crafted by the first project of Familia Torres in the denomination of origin, aged for 12 months in French and American oak, and conceived from a selection of plots located between 790 and 900 meters, it stands out for its precise fruit, finesse, and a freshness that prolongs the memory.
Celeste Crianza 2022 is born from a rigorous selection of plots located between 790 and 900 meters above sea level, where the thermal contrast enhances the fruit and the altitude provides a natural freshness. Its 12-month aging in French and American oak barrels, followed by a minimum refinement of one year in the bottle, gives it that sought-after balance: aromas of blackberry and blueberry jam, notes of licorice, vanilla, and a subtle touch of roasted coffee, culminating in a broad, enveloping, and persistent palate.
Behind its creation is Pago del Cielo, the first project by Familia Torres in Ribera del Duero, acquired in 2004 and located in Fompedraza at 895 meters above sea level. There, in the high plains of the Peñafiel region, the winery crafts wines that reflect the personality of this unique location. Since its inception in 2005, when the first Crianza was launched, Pago del Cielo has established a trajectory marked by quality, respect for the environment, and a precise vision: to produce red wines that authentically speak of the territory. The technical and sensitive approach of Juan Ramón García, an oenologist with experience in Bordeaux and Toro, has guided the project from the beginning.
Overall, Celeste Crianza 2022 is one of those labels destined to conquer tables and cellars: precise, flavorful, well-crafted, and fully representative of a high-altitude Ribera del Duero. Furthermore, the Celeste collection's trajectory is backed by great reviews, and this vintage will be no exception. For now, it has already received a score of 91 points from James Suckling. In short, this is a red wine that combines territory, technique, and emotion, pairing wonderfully with dishes such as pork cheeks in red wine sauce or a grilled ribeye steak.
It presents a complex and elegant nose, where aromas of red fruit stand out alongside mineral, spicy notes and hints of cocoa and juanola; noble woods and balsamic touches.
On the palate, it shows good structure, flavorful, broad, with good balance, noble tannicity, and perfect acidity that brings freshness. Its finish is long and persistent.
Pago del Cielo is the winemaking project of the Familia Torres (winemakers from Penedès since 1870) based in two privileged regions for vine cultivation, Ribera del Duero and Rueda. Tradition, commitment to quality, and passion for viticulture come together in this project led by winemaker Juan Ramón García, which began to take shape in 2004 with the purchase of a small winery in Fompedraza, in the Campo de Peñafiel region (Valladolid), and currently has 45 hectares of owned vineyards.
It also includes the winery that Familia Torres has in Villafranca del Duero, in Rueda, since 2014, with its 20 hectares of vineyards. Pago del Cielo produces seven labels: the tinto fino wines Pago del Cielo, the new icon of the winery, Celeste Reserva, Celeste Crianza, Celeste Roble, and 62 Millas al Cielo, under the D.O. Ribera del Duero, the white Celeste Verdejo (D.O. Rueda), and Celeste Rosé (D.O. Cigales).