Torrontés wine is a good value for those who enjoy drinking a dry white wine. Torrontes is what is known as a varietal, meaning it’s made from one variety of grape, the Torrontés grape. This gives the wine a distinctive taste rather than losing its unique character by being blended with a variety of grapes.
If you are a wine lover and haven’t tried Torrontés you’re probably curious about the taste of a wine so well known in Argentina. The answer is that there can be quite a difference between a Torrontés produced in the Mendoza, La Rioja, or Salta regions but in general the wine has a distinctive floral bouquet. Opening a bottle of Torrontés is almost like opening a bottle of perfume. Surprisingly, while the nose is floral the wine, due to its acidity, is very dry, crisp and fruity. You will enjoy the typical pleasant notes of melon and tropical fruits such as pineapple, bright oranges and lemons with just a trace of a mineral finish.
The Torrontes Grape Probably Originated Centuries Ago in Spain
The history of the Torrontés grape is not completely clear. Argentines are prone to claim that the grape is native to their country. However, some wine experts believe that it was brought to the New World centuries ago by Spanish settlers who could not imagine life without wine.
Whatever the origin of the Torrontes grape the Torrontes wine is thought of as uniquely Argentine. It is produced primarily in three provinces of Argentina, Mendoza, Salta, and La Rioja. While Mendoza province is the most important wine-producing region in Argentina, estimates are that 80% of wines from Argentina are produced in Mendoza, the very best Torrontes wines are produced in Salta. Argentines will proudly tell you that proper Torrontes worth drinking can only be produced in Argentina.
The Best Torrontes Wines are Produced in Salta Province Near Cafayate
Salta, is a province of rugged mountainous land of red earth in northwest Argentina punctuated with verdant valleys perfect for growing the Torrontes grape. The province boasts the colonial city of Salta. Some of the best wineries in Salta province are near the town of Cafayate a peaceful, picturesque town of about 12,000 inhabitants. The city is surrounded by vineyards.
Cafayate is famous for its wine heritage. The Torrontés Wine Festival takes place each November, and it features artists, writers, folk musicians, and as you might guess wine tastings.
Torrontes Grapes Love High Altitude
The reason that Torrontes grapes do so well in Salta province is partly because of the high altitude of approximately 3000 feet above sea level at the valley floor. This altitude makes for cooler temperatures during the growing season with large variations between day and night time temperatures. This mandates that the grapes develop more slowly and achieve more concentrated flavors. In addition to Salta Province's high altitude the rich soil and humid climate offer the perfect conditions for the carefully tended vineyards, especially near Cafayate.
Torrontes wine is distilled in stainless steel temperature controlled fermentation tanks and stored in stainless steel barrels. This keeps the unique flavor of the Torrontes grape concentrated in the wine as no oak barrels are used to flavor the wine as in a Chardonnay. Nearly all of the wineries (or "bodegas") offer daily wine tastings and free guided tours so you can see for yourself how carefully the grapes are tended and the care and skill that goes into the wine production process.
How Do I Find a Good Torrontes wine?
Your favorite supermarket is probably not the best place to look for a Torrontes wine although I have found a bottle of Alamos Torrontes priced at about $12 at a nearby Kroger supermarket. Torrontes is becoming increasingly popular in America, as it is a good value in a pleasing dry white wine, so perhaps it is now possible to find a limited selection in your favorite supermarket.
However, you will probably find a much better selection in a neighborhood type wine shop that is owned by a knowledgeable wine connoisseur. Usually, the shop owner and his/her assistants can be of great help in selecting suitable wines. You will likely find Torrontes from about $10-$20 per bottle. The more expensive Torrontes will likely be from the Salta province of Argentina. You will probably find the origin of the wine on the label at the back of the bottle.
Torrontes wine does not age very well and should be consumed within one year after being bottled. Be sure to check out the vintage on the bottle before buying to make sure that the Torrontes is young and fresh. Torrontes has a fairly high alcohol content, in the 13% range, so it can hold its' own with pairings of Asian fusion and even spicy foods such as authentic Thai. The wine pairs extremely well with broiled, baked, or steamed seafoods.
For additional information about Torrontes and some recommended bottles to savor you may wish to read the article "Torrontés, the new Pinot Grigio?" by Tom Cannavan, 10/07/2110.
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