What Is Torrontes?
Torrontes is Argentina's hidden gem and one of my must-try, must-have, must-buy grapes! The flavour is fairly unique in the wine world and you will struggle to find a poor quality one.
It is the second most planted white grape in the country, possibly helped by the fact that there are in fact three different varieties: Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino but they often simply known as Torrontes. Nonetheless, there is pretty unanimous agreement that the Riojano is the best of the lot.
It is related to the Muscat grape, Muscat of Alexandria, which makes light, floral and perfumed wines and Torrontes shares many similarities with it. It struggles to produce good wines if grown in warm climates which has led producers to search for altitude. Indeed, Torrontes grapes are probably on average the highest in the world. Perhaps its most famous region in Argentina is Salta, which has altitudes stretching over 3000m above sea level. It is very close to the equator so you'd expect it to be hot, but the altitude allows the conditions to be cool, allowing acidity to stay high, whilst the high intensity sunlight creates the perfect conditions for full on flavour development. If you are going to try and Torrontes, try one from Salta.
It is made to be drunk young, much like Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio as this is where its propensity to produce fresh, flavoursome wines shines. That said, some producers have been experimenting with use of oak as a way of changing up the flavour profile as well as giving it a longer lease of life. There are tiny quanities of sweet wines made too, but I think you'd have to go to Argentina to find these.
How Does Torrontes Taste?
As said, producers are experimenting with it but the real characteristics of the wine are in its fresh aromtic profile. The two key flavours are rose water/Turkish delight and lychee - much like Gewurztraminer. It's peachy and zesty too, often with ripe citrus fruit and floral flavours. You'd be forgiven for thinking it was sweet, as it certainly smells that way, but that's just the juicy and sugary nature of the fruits you'll be getting. To taste it is rather leaner and even can have a slightly salty bite.
What Food Does Bonarda Pair With?
It is a fantastic match with spicy food such as Indian or Thai due to its light nature. It's really that simple. But in all honesty, I'd just have it on a warm Summers day.
This is one of my favourite grapes because it is largely unknown, but actually very good. Often the unknown grapes can be unknown for a reason, but this is undeserving of that accolade. So, put aside your hankering for Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon, even Riesling drinkers might want to give this a go, and explore a great grape from Argentina.