Rioja, 1970 Red Wine
Torres Coronas Gran Reserva, Rioja
Bottle size: 75cl

Price:
£129.00
Description
The 1970 Torres Gran Coronas Gran Reserva, also known as the “Black Label,” is a landmark Spanish wine that helped redefine the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain. Produced in the Penedès region by Miguel A. Torres, this vintage was pivotal in establishing Spain’s international reputation for fine red wines.
Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo, and 10% Monastrell, the 1970 vintage was the first to carry the Black Label designation. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks—a pioneering move in Spain at the time—and aged for six months in new American oak followed by a year in older barrels. This approach yielded a wine that combined Old World structure with New World vibrancy.
The wine gained international acclaim after triumphing in the 1979 Gault-Millau Wine Olympics in Paris, where it outperformed top Bordeaux wines like Château Latour and La Mission Haut-Brion. This victory catapulted Torres onto the global stage and marked a turning point in Spanish winemaking.
Tasting notes over the years have highlighted its evolving complexity. In 2008, Tom Cannavan described it as having “vegetal sweetness on the nose, notes of dried blood, truffle, prune,” with a palate featuring “masses of clove and spice” and a “soft, truffly finish.” In 2015, Edward Ragg noted aromas of “roasted meats, mushroom, leather,” and a palate with “lively acidity” and a “long, layered finish.”
Today, the 1970 Gran Coronas Gran Reserva stands as a testament to innovation and quality in Spanish viticulture. Its legacy continues under the name Mas La Plana, reflecting the vineyard from which it originates. For collectors and enthusiasts, this vintage offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Spanish wine.
Condition
Level 4cm from top. Label bin soiled