The Torrontés
Grape
A white grape variety that is the signature white wine grape of Argentina, known for producing aromatic wines with high acidity. Torrontés wines are notable for their floral and fruity aromas, including rose, peach, and citrus, offering a fresh and distinctive profile that pairs well with a wide range of foods.
Torrontés
Grape History
Torrontés is a white wine grape variety that is widely considered to be Argentina's signature grape. It is a unique and aromatic grape that produces wines with a distinctive floral and fruity character. The history of Torrontés can be traced back to colonial times when Spanish conquistadors brought vines to Argentina in the 16th century. The grape is believed to have originated from a crossing of Muscat varieties brought from the Canary Islands.
There are three main variations of the Torrontés grape - Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino, and Torrontés Mendocino. Torrontés Riojano is the most common and widely planted variety, known for its aromatic and vibrant wines. Torrontés Sanjuanino is grown in the province of San Juan and produces wines with higher acidity. Torrontés Mendocino is a recent addition, grown in the Mendoza region, and is a slightly softer, less aromatic version of the grape.
Torrontés is primarily grown in the high-altitude wine regions of Argentina, such as Salta, La Rioja, and Cafayate. These regions provide the ideal climatic conditions for the grape to thrive, with sunny days, cool nights, and well-drained soils contributing to the grape's aromatic complexity and acidity.
Torrontés is known for producing aromatic, crisp, and refreshing wines with floral notes of jasmine, rose petals, and citrus fruits. The wine is typically unoaked to preserve its delicate aromas and flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light and easy-drinking white wine.
In terms of wine production, Torrontés is commonly made into varietal wines, showcasing the grape's unique characteristics. It is also used in blends with other white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to add complexity and aromatics to the final wine.
The future of Torrontés looks promising as its popularity continues to grow both domestically in Argentina and internationally. Wine critics and consumers alike have taken notice of Torrontés' distinctive qualities, leading to increased plantings and recognition on the global stage. As more winemakers experiment with different styles and terroirs, we can expect to see even more diverse and high-quality expressions of Torrontés in the future.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel