I picked up this wine originally for Wine Blogging Wednesday #7 (WBW), as I had never heard of the name “Torsa” which I incorrectly assumed to be an obscure Spanish grape variety. A Google search didn’t turn up any details on the wine, but I was able to find out more about the people who made it and their email address. A day later, I heard from their US importer, International Gourmet, who provided details of the blend being made from Tempranillo (60%), Cabernet Sauvugnon (30%) and Merlot (10%). A couple days later I also received an email from Javier Asensio confirming the percentages noted above.
Since this violates the rules of this month’s WBW, I offer my tasting notes here:
Asensio Vinedos y Bodegas, “Torsa” Tinto, Navarra, Spain 2003 ($8)
Dark ruby, fresh strawberry/cherry nose with hint of cloves; robust, bright cherry flavors explode on the palette, nicely balanced with light tannins. Would make a nice “house red”. Very good wine and an excellent value. Highly recommended!
Score: 8.5/10
Asensio Vinedos y Bodegas is a family owned winery founded in 1994 in the Navarra region of Northern Spain near the town of Pamplona made famous by the annual running of the bulls. They grow 72 HA of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo that are used to produce all their wines including Torsa. I am very much looking forward to tasting their other bottlings.
Thanks to Christine Steil of www.internationalgourmet.net for her assistance with the details and label picture and Javier Asensio for making such great wine for the money!