Region: Costers del Segre, Spain

Varietal: Carinena, Garnacha and Syrah

Tasting notes: The 2013 Purgatori is the second vintage of a blend of Cariñena, Garnacha and Syrah from high altitude vineyards in the Pallars subzone of Costers del Segre; it matured for 15-18 months in barrique, 40% of them new. It's a dark, ripe and concentrated red with aromas of dark fruit, leather, smoke and an umami quality. This powerful wine has softened with time into a seamless jewel of sultry richness.

Producer: Familia Torres founded its first winery in Vilafranca del Penedès in 1870, 150 years ago, but its roots in the winegrowing traditions of Spain date back to the 16th century. Five generations have carried the family business forward, passing on their passion for wine culture from parents to children – a passion steeped in respect for land and tradition, and a firm belief in innovation. Today the family focuses on wines from unique vineyards and historical estates, as well as the recovery of ancestral varieties. Familia Torres has a historical connection to Penedès, Conca de Barberà, Priorat, and Costers del Segre, but now its presence extends to vineyards and wineries in preeminent Spanish wine regions – Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Rías Baixas.

Vineyard and Winemaking: As far back as 1770, the monks of the Montserrat abbey carried out their penance at the Desterrats estate. The area was known for its extreme climate and harsh conditions. Their task: working the land to provide food for the diocese. Their legacy: discovering a new terroir and a superlative wine. The legend: Enormous barrels vanishing mysteriously. Some said it was the angels taking them to heaven...