Fresh, Floral & Vey High Altitude Torrontes
Torrontes is a highly aromatic and floral wine is the Argentine white wine flag-carrier for the North. According to Jancis Robinson, the Torrontés grape has the capability of producing wines of very high quality but success is dependent on the skill and care of the winemaking process, particularly in maintaining suitable acid levels to balance the wine.
Torrontés are “wines for early drinking that are not too heavy, are high in acidity, and are intriguingly aromatic in a way reminiscent of but not identical to Muscat”.
The exact origins of this grape are not known but it probably comes from a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica grapes in Argentina. Whatever the source the wine is now firmly on the national and international radar. The grape is susceptible to disease and can easily spoil so the very healthy, high-altitude, dry terroir of northern Argentina is perfect for it to thrive.
These vineyards in the north of Argentina are credited with producing the very best examples of Torrontes and in particular the area around Cafayate. The altitude in this region extracts the best from the Torrontes grape with the mountain slopes, large diurnal temperature shift and dry, extremely sunny days.
Argentina produces around 97% of the world´s Torrontes with a small contribution being made in neighboring Uruguay and also some in Spain and the USA. As you can see in the graphic above this wine is generally very fruity and floral while being light in body and low in sweetness, while maintaining mid-range acidity and alcohol levels. Some of the best wineries for Torrontes include El Porvenir with their Laborum and Piattelli with their Reserve Torrontes (92 points from James Suckling)
All of these characteristics make it a perfect pair for spicy foods from “spice route” countries such as Indian and Thailand. Serving the wine cooler will balance any spiciness in dishes prepared with foods such as poultry, fish, and tofu. This type of cuisine will be a perfect choice as it will not overwhelm the delicate flavor, aroma, and acidity of Torrontes.
As a frame of reference Torrontés is quite similar to several other aromatic white wines such as Riesling and Muscat Blanc. The major difference between Torrontés and the white wines mentioned is that Torrontés is commonly made in a dry style, hence its salty lean taste is felt in contrast with its sweet perfumed aromas making for an interesting experience. Try this wine on our high altitude wine tour in Argentina.
