Torrontes - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Mar 3rd 2011 @ 5:00PM

Torrontes white wine grapes in Argentina Photo: Alamy

Torrontés is Argentina's most well-known white-wine grape. But its status among most Americans is still relatively obscure. Which is too bad because not only is it affordable but the wine offers fresh and aromatic notes, and an approchable body with ripe citrus flavors.

The majority of Torrontés wines come from six provinces in Argentina (including Mendoza) but you may also find a Chilean bottle, as the grapes are also grown in Chile, although in smaller quantities and mostly for producing Pisco. As the wine is youthful and fresh, ideal food pairings include seafood or chicken dishes, and cheeses that are categorized as mild or medium (hold the sharp Cheddar or blue cheese). Spicy foods with Thai roots would be a smart match too.

We recently sipped through a flight of Torrontés. We've got our four favorites after the jump.

Tilia 2009 Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina ($11)
Complex, floral layers in this wine are interwoven with peach, apricot and rose-petal notes, before easing into a clean, crisp finish.

Dominio del Plata Winery 2009 Susana Balbo Late Harvest Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina ($25)
Because this is a sweeter, richer wine, save this one for a dessert -- it's honeyed, silky qualities would pair well with a slice of peach pie.

Andeluna Cellars 2008 Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina ($10)
Of the Torrontés here, this one is the brightest and contains the highest levels of acidity. Lime notes emerge on the back of the palate but even before that are delightful notes of grapefruit and apricot -- as well as subtle tropical-fruit notes laced with spices.

Dominio del Plata Winery 2010 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés, Mendoza, Argentina ($17)
Bright, nectarine notes and slight levels of acidity on this Torrontés awaken the palate. There are also complex floral layers on this wine.

Filed Under: Drinks
Tags: featured, Torrontes, Wine of the Week

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-09-2011 @3:23PM Paul Kalemkiarian said... It's good to see an article on this grape variety as, like you mention, it is still relatively little-known in the United States.

Torrontes is a white wine grape that makes fragrant, rich and fruity wines with crisp acidity, and good body. Its fragrant and exotic components are similar to those of Viognier and Verdehello.

There's a Muscat-like exuberance in the nose, with heady floral and herbal notes A perfect match for seafood and chicken dishes (as you mention), but also light pasta dishes and veal.

Paul Kalemkiarian
President, Wine of the Month Club
http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com

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