Torres Winery Looks Forward
Ξ June 11th, 2008 | → | ∇ A Day at a Time, International Terroirs, Winemakers, Wineries |
In the course of doing research on the drought currently gripping Barcelona, Spain, its relation to Global Warming, the overall effect of climate change on grape growing, and the response of winegrowers internationally, one name kept popping up, Miguel A. Torres. The current President and Managing Director of Bodegas Torres, Mr. Torres has been actively pushing the envelope, placing ‘Green’ practices at the heart of the winery’s philosophy. A very fine article recently appeared on the Wines and Vines website summarizing well his efforts. And a fine gloss may be found on the UN’s website where we learn of the accelerated pace of Global Warming in Europe. Of course, apart from the far more important social consequences, environmental change has a direct effect on the vineyard itself.
“The impact of warmer temperatures on grapes include over-ripening, drying out, [curbing] acidity levels, and vulnerability to pest and disease. High levels of carbon dioxide accelerate the rate of photosynthesis and alter the way vines produce and ripen grapes. Warmer temperatures may also change the harvest season from the beginning of October to September. The dormancy of the grapes is expected to begin earlier due to milder winters. These changes may affect the taste and sustainability of the grapes.” (From the UN gloss.)
Yet however central is environmental change to Mr. Torres it is but one of a multitude of programs the gentleman and his family have begun.
In 1986 was founded the Miguel Torres Foundation, “To contribute to the well-being of our people and the progress of society at large, and to preserve and protect the environment in which we operate.” The foundation consists of two complimentary parts. The first is Social Responsibility which includes funding Foster Homes, Natural Disaster assistance, and the building of schools such as the one in India pictured on the left. It was established through the Vincente Ferrer Foundation, and of the school’s founder and mission:
“Vicente Ferrer is a Jesuit missionary who set up a trust fund in 1969 in one of the poorest regions of southern India, Anantapur, and has been there since, working principally with the dalits or untouchables, to enable them ‘to become the masters of their own destiny and recover their dignity.’”
The second part of the Miguel Torres Foundation is dedicated to Environmental Awareness. And in this they truly excel. They’ve begun programs to protect the Bonelli’s Eagle, an endangered species in Europe; a program, in coordination with the Catalan Institute of Vines and Wine (INCAVI), to recover native grape varieties; the active promotion of ISO 4001, a compilation of international business standards with respect to the environment; 
and a forward-looking program dedicated to fighting climate change in their own vineyards. Torres uses solar power, electric/hybrid vehicles, water reclamation techniques, the replanting of woodlands for CO2 sequestration, bio-diesel in tractors, and many other ‘green’ innovations.
After reading so very much of what wineries are doing internationally to respond to climate change, from the indifferent, the marginally concerned, to deeply committed winegrowers, I can honestly say that Torres is on the cutting edge of innovators. Should a reader here need a boost in spirits please visit the Torres website. Theirs is no mere commercial portal, a few scattered, lo-cal platitudes, infotainment punctuated with Parker scores. No, the Torres site is a meal of good news.
Admin
