Grape Variety: Torrontes

Colour: White

Torrontés is the characteristic white wine grape of Argentina, producing fresh, aromatic white wines. Three criolla varieties exist in Argentina: Torrontés Riojano, the most common; Torrontés Sanjuanino; and Torrontés Mendocino.

A grape called Torrontés is found in Galicia in Spain. Its relationship to the Argentine varieties is uncertain. Of doubtful origin, recent research has suggested that comes from Malvasia, in the Mediterranean area. Its recognition is the result of wines produced in the Valley of Cafayate, in Salta. It is due to the microclimate of this area that the grapevine has had an exceptional development, thus giving origin to fruity, tasty wines with a long aftertaste.

Torrontes, in many cases, has fairly low acidity and is therefore often blended with more neutral grape varieties to fill the palate. Chardonnay is frequently used, whilst our Villa Vieja Chenin-Torrontes illustrates how the floral (white musk), grapeflower and turkish delight aromatics can be lifted with the crunchy apple-acidity of the Chenin. This would be great with spicy food.