Pago del Cielo-Torres

In 2003 the Familia Torres wine-producers made a firm commitment to wines from the DO Ribera del Duero. This decision soon took on such strength and personality that they gave their Ribera winery its own name: Pago del Cielo. When you see the vineyards growing at almost 900 metres above sea level producing extremely elegant wines, it's easy to understand the cellar's name (cielo means sky). As they say at the winery, "the vines seem to be talking to the stars".

This ambitious project led by the oenologist Juan Ramón García with the invaluable help of Xavier Ausás aims to create wines with the utmost care which express the true value and character of the terroir. In the area of Campo de Peñafiel the altitude of the vineyards mitigates the effects of the tough continental climate during summer months as it ensures nights are cool even as daytime temperatures soar. Temperature differences between night and day can be as significant as 20 degrees. This means the fruit gains in aromas and ripens slowly but surely without losing its natural acidity which gives the wine a special freshness and elegance.

At present, Pago del Cielo uses the Tempranillo grape as the backbone for three great wines; a roble (oak), a Crianza and a Reserva. The youngest wine delights us with aromas of red fruit and liveliness while the older, aged, wines have spicy and toasted notes with a fleshy, velvety mouth. The Ribera del Duero region and its wines are moving on to a new future; winemaking rooted in old vines but focused on ever-improving quality. A future the Torres family want to be part of.