Toro wine
Toro (meaning 'bull' in Spanish) is situated in Castilla y León and spans a square territory within the Duero River valley in northwest Spain, positioned midway between Madrid and La Coruña. Toro is known as 'the other DO on the Duero,' sandwiched between the Ribera del Duero and the Douro region across the border in Portugal. Due to rising prices in, amongst others, Ribera del Deuro, Toro has become a sought-after alternative for quality wines and value.
The best wines from Toro
Toro (meaning 'bull' in Spanish) is situated in Castilla y León and spans a square territory within the Duero River valley in northwest Spain, positioned midway between Madrid and La Coruña. Toro is known as 'the other DO on the Duero,' sandwiched between the Ribera del Duero and the Douro region across the border in Portugal. Due to rising prices in, amongst others, Ribera del Deuro, Toro has become a sought-after alternative for quality wines and value.
Toro was acknowledged for its rustic, deeply hued red wines stemming from the Tinta de Toro grape. However, the quality of winemaking and recognition worldwide has been spurred by renowned neighbouring winemakers like Vega Sicilia and Numanthia. Their efforts have ushered in a new era marked by high quailty wines which inspired Toro winemakers and led to a ever increasing quality level of Toro wines.
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History of Toro wines
The wines from Toro were highly sought after during the Middle Ages, receiving royal privileges that enabled their sale even in cities where other wine commerce was forbidden. During the 19th century, they were extensively exported to France due to the scarcity caused by the phylloxera plague. Toro wines played a significant role in the export trade to the New World.
In tastings of Spain's top 100 wines, many times Toro showcases outstanding selections. In the recent past some wines like Bodegas Fariña's Gran Colegiata Campus, Numanthia-Termes Termanthia, and Pintia under Vega Sicilia's ownership, scored high positions. Vega Sicilia’s influence significantly enhanced the region's reputation and the value of its ancient vineyards.
Grapes in wines from Toro
Toro offers a large diversity in wines, although its primary focus remains on producing varietal reds. The dominant grape variety in Toro is the Tinta de Toro which has acclimatized over two centuries to the demanding climatic and soil conditions, distinguishing itself from the Tempranillo grown in other Spanish regions.
However, achieving phenolic ripeness in conjunction with sugar ripeness poses a challenge in this region, resulting in wines characterized by high alcohol content, reaching up to 15%.
The terroir of wines from Toro
Toro's climate can contain extremes with harsh winters and hot summers as its vineyards are shielded from Atlantic influences by surrounding mountains. The Duero River serves as an important source for irrigation in this high plateau region, as there may be a shortage of rainfall.
These conditions prove ideal for producing massive, high-alcohol red wines from the Tinta de Toro vines.
Classifications of Toro wines
Toro is situated in Castilla y León and follows its classifications rules. The appellation produces a range of red wines, from youthful Joven to mature Gran Reserva, with a requirement that all classifications must comprise at least 75 percent Tinta de Toro grapes.
The finest red wines often contain 100 percent Tinta de Toro.