Toro Wine Region Guide

Toro wine appellation is a red wine-producing area located in the Castille Y Leon wine region, in the northwestern part of Spain. The region covers most of the southeastern area of the province of Zamora, including  Tierra del Vino, Valle del Guareña, and Tierra de Toro. Toro's highly regarded sub-region produces a diverse range of wines renowned worldwide for their quality and significance. We advise you to try these exceptional wines while you travel across the wine area of Castile and Leon. Toro's wines have evolved as a result of factors like sun exposure, vineyard location, altitude, and winemaking preferences. These components combine to create a wine style that is unique to Spain, if not the globe.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Toro!

Where is the Toro wine region?

The Toro wine appellation is a subregion of Castilla y Leon in the province of Zamora in the northwestern part of Spain. The wine appellation shares a border to the east with the Rueda wine appellation. The Toro area is just 140 km south of the city of Leon, 219km northwest of Madrid, and 67 km southwest of Valladolid. The Duero river runs horizontally across the region and divides the appellation into two sections. There are currently 8000 hectares covered in vines out of which 5500 are registered under the regulatory body of Toro.

History of the Toro wine region

The Toro region was named after an ancient settlement of Toro, 65km east of the Portuguese border. The Winemaking in the Toro region dates back to the 1st century BC. Folklore suggests that the ancient greeks started producing wines which were later inherited by the local Celtic tribes. During the reign of King Alfonso IX, several religious orders were practiced in the region that also started planting vines to produce wines. The wine of Toro was first to be traded in the region and was also sold in cities nearby such as Palencia and Seville. The Toro wine appellation gained its DOP status in 1987.

The terroir and geography of the Toro wine region

The region is highly influenced by a continental climate with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north. The summer in the area is long, hot, and arid with cool wind in the mornings. The maximum temperature in the summer reaches 37 degrees Celcius and the Minimum temperature in the winter is -11 degrees Celcius. The region has an annual rainfall of 350-400mm. Sun exposure ranges from 2600-3000 hours in a year. The soil composition is dominated by sediments of sand. The soil is a mixture of clay, lime, and sand. Vineyards lie at an altitude of 620-750 meters above sea level. 

Popular grape varieties from the Toro wine region

Tinta de Toro is the most cultivated grape in the Toro region. The red varietals are much preferred over white in a 15:1 ratio. Around 25% of total vineyards are covered with vines that are more than 50 years. The wines from Toro are allowed up to 15% alcohol content.  The wines are bold and robust and are approachable when young. 

Grape varieties grown in the Toro wine appellation are as follows:

Red grapes: Tinta de Toro, and Garnacha.

White grapes: Verdejo, Malvasía Castellana, Albillo Real, and Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

Food to pair with Toro wine 

Rack of lamb

Either roasted or grilled, the rich flavor and gamey taste of the lamb perfectly complement the red wine- the bold the better. Grilled lamb either kebab or steak, the charred and smoky flavor balances out with Pinot noir enhancing the fruity flavor and peppery notes. Roasted lamb is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide range of red wines. The medium rare roasted lamb goes very well with bold Toro red wines.

Barbecue

Barbecue is mostly known as a cooking method usually enjoyed in an outdoor social gathering, at which meats or fish along with vegetables are roasted over a wood or a charcoal fire with the lid closed. 

Barbecuing has been a part of American culture and is popular throughout the United States, enjoyed during a celebration or social gathering. Barbecue is often served along with the sauce, salad, sweet potato, and beans. Mostly favored meat is pork and beef. Other barbecued items include lamb, chicken, sausages, and sometimes seafood as well. 

Most zinfandel pairs very well with barbecued meat and sausages that are smoked with the sweet and spicy marinade. 

Cochinillo

Cochinillo is originated from the Castille and Leon area which a roasted sucking pig. The pig should not weigh over 5kgs or older than three weeks. The whole pig is stuffed with greens, chilies, and seasoning and is roasted in a large oven. When cooked properly, the meat becomes very tender that it tends to fall apart. The dish is characterized by succulent mean, tender, and crispy skin with less to no fat layer. Cochinillo is usually prepared at gatherings or huge events.

Places to visit in the Toro wine region

Collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor

The collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor is a middle age church in heart of Toro in the province of Zamora. The church was built for dedication to Saint Mary during the 15th century. Located on a cliff, the church faces the city with views of narrow streets, the Duero river, and vineyards. The construction of the church began in the late 12th century and lasted for slightly over 150 years. The church stands as an example of Romanesque architecture in Spain which is said to be inspired by the Cathedral of Zamora. The most notable structure is the Portada de la Majestad, carved by an anonymous craftsman, at the western entrance, which was completed in 1240 that depicts the glory of the Virgin Mary with more than 125 figurines. 

Church of San Lorenzo el Real

San Lorenzo el Real is Toro's oldest Romanesque-Mudéjar church dating back to the 12th century. The church is known as the oldest church in the city that is well preserved in its original form. The term "Real" means "Royal" in Spanish, and it is a component of the name of the church since certain Castilla-Fonseca family members, who are Pedro I the Cruel's descendants, were buried there. and its interior has numerous surprising gems. The Gothic chapel from the 15th century, the altarpiece by Fernando Gállego from 1490, and the late Gothic tomb of Pedro of Castile and Beatriz de Fonseca from the late 15th century are among the interior attractions.

Frequently asked questions about Toro