RIESLING

Waltraud, A Journey from Central Europe to Penedès Superior 

International Riesling Day is coming up on 13 March, and Familia Torres is joining the celebration with this special look at the German variety par excellence – a look that would not be complete without Waltraud, the winery’s one-and-only, exclusive Riesling.  

• This white variety produces exquisite wines that stand out for their primary terpenic aromas (lemon) and elegant fruit expression. It is susceptible to botrytis or “noble rot”. Riesling is the queen of German wines, especially in the Mosel and Rheingau regions. It is also cultivated in France (Alsace), Switzerland, Italy (Alto Adagio and Venice), Austria, Hungary, Czechia, etc. In short, in much of Central Europe.   

In Spain, Riesling has found a home in Somontano and Penedès Superior, where Familia Torres grows the variety to produce Waltraud. This varietal received its name in honour of the German artist Waltraud Maczassek, wife of Miguel A. Torres.  

Riesling grapevine, property of Familia Torres 

Riesling in Depth 

• Riesling is a white variety with a distinctive, complete personality. Very aromatic and fruity, it is high in acidity and relatively low in alcohol due to the fog that gathers along the rivers it calls home and the more extreme climates of the continent’s more northern latitudes. This late-ripening variety is usually harvested last to ensure its characteristic organoleptic complexity. This climatic factor makes Riesling the ideal variety to produce late harvest wines. (Dessert wines made from grapes intentionally exposed to botrytis or “noble rot”.) 
• Generally, Rieslings have a very long lifespan and age magnificently in the bottle.  They stand out for their strength and wonderful balance between sweetness and acidity, as well as their characteristic terpenic aromas (aromas derived from the plant itself and the grape skins; also known as primary aromas). Terpenes like linalool, geraniol, and citronellol are molecules responsible for the distinctive floral aromas that define varieties like Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Albariño, etc).  
• On the vine, the grapes grow in small, compact clusters. The grapes are also small, round, thick-skinned and soft in texture. Riesling is very cold resistant, capable of withstanding frost that would devastate other varieties.  
• In warmer climates, Rieslings reveal stone fruit (peach) flavours framed by refreshing citrus notes that envelop the palate. In colder climates, the variety swaps stone fruit for fresh fruit (green apple, lemon) and floral notes. 

With age, all Rieslings can develop complex, elegant notes that leave traces of smoke and honey, wrapped in a golden robe that contains an enchanting, fascinating realm of exotic fruit, citrus, and spices without ever losing its freshness. 

Waltraud 2022 - Organic Wine - (DO Penedès)  

Grown on the Fransola estate, at an elevation of more than 550 metres, the Riesling vines thrive in deep calcareous-clay soils, reddish in colour, with a high water holding capacity and moderate drainage. This allows white wines to achieve their greatest aromatic expression.  

Waltraud, a Familia Torres property, ready for tasting 

Waltraud boasts a pale straw-yellow colour and is bright and clean in appearance. Elegant and seductive, the nose and palate are reminiscent of liquid silk while the aromas oscillate between orange blossom, citrus nuances (lemon peel), and hints of honey. 

Every component comes together with utmost elegance, carried by evocative herbaceous undertones and a backbone of remarkable varietal acidity. Elegant, firm yet silky in texture, Waltraud concludes with a sweet flourish on the finish reminiscent of spice bread. 

• In terms of food, Waltraud is an ideal match for oysters and shellfish, and unbeatable in combination with fish, rice, pasta with mariniere sauce, chicken or duck in sweet sauces. It is equally splendid with blue or soft cheeses.  

Waltraud pairs perfectly with fish recipes    

Some wines go beyond pleasure, enjoyment, organoleptic sensation to embody a narrative, a story that’s worth telling. Wines with soul. Vibrant wines that linger in our memory. Waltraud is one of those wines.