Tuesday January 28, 2025
Crafting Excellence: Our Partnership with Torner Barrel Makers
At La Mare Wine Estate, we believe that every detail matters when it comes to creating exceptional wines. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our new barrels from Torner, a renowned cooperage steeped in tradition and expertise, located in Catalonia – the home region of our Head Winemaker – Jordi Sanvicens Moreno. These barrels are more than just vessels; they are a key ingredient in the journey of transforming grapes into extraordinary wine.

The Significance of Wood in Winemaking
Wood is a living material and plays a pivotal role in the ageing process of wine. It imparts its unique qualities to the wine, enhancing its characteristics while contributing distinct flavours, colours, and aromas. At La Mare, we understand the importance of selecting the finest barrels to bring out the best in our wines. That’s why we’ve partnered with Torner, a cooperage that shares our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Why Torner?
Torner’s history dates back to 1739, when Simó Torner, a cooper by trade, married Teresa Estalella, the daughter of a cooper. This union marked the beginning of a legacy that has endured for generations. Today, Torner’s eighth generation continues this tradition with a modern approach, blending centuries of experience with sustainable practices.

At Torner, the choice of wood is treated with the utmost care. The cooperage selects local woods, such as chestnut, acacia, cherry, and oak from Montseny and Les Guilleries, ensuring the highest quality while prioritising sustainability and supporting KM0 (local production) principles. Their dedication to using PEFC-certified wood ensures homogeneity, consistency, and respect for the environment – values that resonate deeply with La Mare Wine Estate.

The Barrels
Our latest additions include barrels made from:
- American Oak sourced from Tennessee, bringing robust structure and sweet, toasty notes.
- French Oak grown in Catalonia, renowned for its subtle elegance and ability to impart complex flavours.
These barrels have been custom-made exclusively for La Mare Wine Estate, ensuring they align perfectly with our winemaking philosophy. Over the next 6–12 months, our red and white wines will mature in these barrels, benefitting from micro-oxygenation and the nuanced flavours imparted by the wood.

A Perfect Pairing of Tradition and Innovation
Torner’s approach to cooperage mirrors our ethos at La Mare: a deep respect for tradition combined with a forward-thinking vision. Their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality provide the ideal conditions for our wines to reach their full potential. By collaborating with Torner, we ensure that every bottle of La Mare wine reflects the artistry and care that defines our estate.

A Toast to the Future
As we embark on this exciting chapter, we invite you to join us on the journey. From vineyard to barrel to glass, each step is a celebration of excellence and passion.