Torrontés Wine: The Iconic White of Cafayate
Torrontés is one of the most iconic white wines in Argentina, especially in the northwest region. Known for its fresh, floral aroma and dry, fruity flavor, it has gained international recognition thanks to its uniqueness and high quality.
There are three varieties of Torrontés grown in Argentina:
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Torrontés Riojano (the most common and expressive)
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Torrontés Sanjuanino
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Torrontés Mendocino
Among these, Torrontés Riojano stands out for producing the finest wines, particularly in the Cafayate Valley, where altitude and terroir create the perfect environment.
This wine has a light yellow color, sometimes with golden or greenish tones. Its aromas of rose, jasmine, and geranium might suggest sweetness, but it surprises the palate with crisp acidity and freshness. It pairs wonderfully with fish, seafood, empanadas, and regional dishes like locro.
A Uniquely Argentine Grape
Torrontés is a native white grape exclusive to Argentina. It belongs to the “Criolla” group—European grape varieties adapted over time to South American climates. It’s not just a wine—it’s part of Argentine identity.
Each strain offers different characteristics:
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Riojano: Highly aromatic, reminiscent of Muscat or Gewürztraminer
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Sanjuanino: Paler, less aromatic, declining in cultivation
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Mendocino: Smaller grapes, least aromatic and least planted
Torrontés in Argentina Today
Torrontés has overtaken other whites like Pedro Giménez and Ugni Blanc to become Argentina’s most planted white grape. Its growing success in international markets—especially the US and UK—has helped boost its cultivation across the country.
Salta stands out as a top-producing region. Here, vineyards are planted at high altitudes (around 1,600 meters above sea level), which enhances the wine’s flavor, acidity, and structure. The Cafayate Valley is especially famous for its Torrontés, where climate and soil contribute to its exceptional expression.
The Wines of Cafayate
Cafayate is not just a destination; it’s the epicenter of high-altitude wine in Argentina. With more than 3,300 hectares of vineyards, the region produces a wide variety of grapes including:
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Torrontés (flagship)
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Malbec
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Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tannat
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Bonarda
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Syrah
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Barbera
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Tempranillo
The unique terroir, dry air, intense sunlight, and wide thermal amplitude give these wines distinct character. What makes Torrontés so special here is the way it adapts to Salta’s extreme conditions, resulting in a wine with vibrant aromas, lively acidity, and exceptional balance.
In Cafayate, visitors can enjoy not just the wine, but also the culture: crafts, music, historic towns, and breathtaking landscapes like the Quebrada de las Conchas or Quebrada de las Flechas.
Torrontés is more than just a wine—it’s the taste of the Argentine Northwest, and Cafayate is the best place to experience it.
Want to book an excursion to Cafayate from Salta?
If you want to book an excursion to Cafayate from Salta, just click on the image below
Other amazing activities and excursions in Salta
We have many options to discover Salta, Jujuy, and the Argentinian northwest. These are two of the most interesting, but we have many.
More activities and excursions in Salta? Click here and see a complete list of options
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Tours to visit the Argentinian Northwest
We have a great variety of tours to visit these amazing places, most of them including Salta, Jujuy and the Northwest in general, combined with many other amazing destinations in Argentina such El Calafate, Ushuaia, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, Bariloche… Check one of my favorites, the 104 tour; The Argentinian North in 12 amazing nights
Tours to visit the Argentinian North and other amazing destinations
Check a complete list of tours to enjoy Salta, the Northwest and other destinations in Argentina by clicking here or in the image below
For more information, just contact us at info@ripioturismo.com
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