The La Carbonera winery is located in the Basque part of Rioja. The vines here grow at higher elevations, on calcareous soils, producing elegant, expressive wines. This area was once pastureland, until shepherds took a liking to winemaking and established a tradition that continues to this day. Torres dedicates a wonderful Crianza to these "malos pastores" (bad shepherds): Malpastor. The single-varietal Tempranillo combines tradition and modernity with a perfect balance of ripeness and freshness. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks and extensive lees aging in concrete and wood, the wine is aged for a good twelve months in French and American oak, followed by at least another six months in the bottle until it finally reveals a bright cherry red in the glass. Silky, vibrant, with lush fruit and gentle notes of ageing.