IF Miguel Torres Jr. was American he'd be Miguel Torres V or something like that.
But he's very definitely Spanish, and proud to announce that his son is also named, well, you guessed it, Miguel.
The fifth generation Torres, recently appointed general manager of Spain's pioneering winery, dropped by Vancouver this week to pour a few wines from Torres' Spanish and Chilean wineries.
Prior to taking up his current duties, Torres ran the Chilean operation. It's no surprise since he's very familiar with the new world region where his company was one of the first outsiders (in 1979) to make significant investments in the wine industry.
Even though some of the wines poured were made in different corners of the world, a common theme emerged that underscored Torres' decidedly modern house style and well-earned reputation for making consumer friendly wines.
Torres has operations in most of Spain and Chile's prominent regions, as well as in Sonoma County, Calif.
In recent years, the company has also expanded its Spanish vineyards well beyond its traditional base in Penedes and Catalonia. On this visit Torres told me that the company is working out of an existing facility in Galicia's Rias Baixas and will soon be producing Albariño, which is exciting news indeed.
Here's a few value drops to watch for: Vina Esmerelda 2011 This long-standing refreshing summer drop is a perfumed off-dry and floral blend of Gewürztraminer and Moscatel. Enjoy it (well chilled) as the perfect patio sipper or pair it with lightly spiced Asian plates. It's a crowd pleaser that also does nicely as a summertime reception wine (BCLS Specialty, $14.99 88 points). Santa Digna Reserva Carmenere 2011 One of the better, more commercially styled offerings of Carmenere around that adds up to a solid introduction for anyone not familiar with the variety. Medium-bodied red with more complexity than you might expect for the money; cherry and black fruit on top with some earthy spicy notes on the palate wrapped in easy tannins. Value priced at BCLS $17.99, 89 points. Celeste Crianza 2010 Here's solid proof as to why we should pay more attention to Tempranillo and Ribero de Duero in particular. Black fruit and some peppery notes on the nose, fruity and plush in the mouth, blackberry, cassis and more, with definite oak, good length and firm tannins. Let it open in the glass and it will reward even more. Cries out for serious barbecue (BCLS $24.99, 91 points).
Looming large on the horizon is the Harmony Arts Festival (Aug. 2-11) along West Vancouver's waterfront, which includes the Grosvenor Waterfront Lounge Wine Garden, hosted by House Wine. Take in the action on the Pacific Arbour Garden Stage, while sipping on wellchosen wines and nibbling tastes from Mangia e Bevi. More info at housewine.ca.
Belly's Best Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino 2011 Yes, it's a mouthful, and so is the wine: Terrific Vermentino from Sardinia. Distinctive pale yellow-green in the glass with floral and citrus hints on the nose before a mineral-tinged, citrus-fruity but zesty and broad palate with a solid finish. A truly versatile food wine that works well with everything from white fish with lemon butter to salads with a touch of vinaigrette, or sipped on its own.
Just remember "Argiolas Vermentino" (BCLS $19.99, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: Twitter @hiredbelly or email [email protected].
