The Torrontés Wine: an icon of Cafayate
Considered one of the most famous variety in Argentina and without doubt the iconic variety in the northwest, it is one of the most widespread whites from north to south that has achieved notable international recognition thanks to its high oenological value. It is found only in Argentina and is consolidated as the country’s white wine firm.
There are three variants of Torrontés: Mendoza and San Juan, with more aptitude for fresh consumption, and Rioja, which is the most cultivated and the one that expresses the best qualities for the production of fine wines, very fruity and dry at the same time. , highlighting those of the Valle de Cafayate IG (Salta).
Torrontés is a light yellow wine that occasionally develops golden and green hues. It is characterized by its aroma of flowers such as rose, jasmine and geranium, with occasional spicy scents. While its aromas anticipate a sweet wine, its flavor reveals a fresh acidity.
It is an excellent companion to fish and seafood, as well as to the regional cuisine of the Argentine Northwest, especially empanadas and the typical locro.
Torrontés: a typical Argentinian Wine
Torrontés is an Argentine white grape that produces a fresh, aromatic wine with moderate acidity, a smooth texture on the palate and distinctive aromas of peach and apricot. There are three varieties of torrontés in Argentina: torrontés Riojano (the most common) , torrontés sanjuanino and torrontés mendocino. Riojan torrontés is the one that has garnered the most attention for the quality of its wines, and is the variety used by the majority of Argentine wines labeled torrontés.
These three strains are relatively similar but have appreciable differences. Riojan torrontés and Sanjuanino torrontés tend to have large bunches with pale grapes while Mendoza torrontés has smaller, tight bunches of dark yellow grapes. Riojan torrontés is the most aromatic of the three, with an aroma reminiscent of Muscat wines and gewürtztraminer. The least aromatic, and the least planted, is Mendoza’s torrontés, and the plantations of San Juan’s torrontés are decreasing.
These three strains belong to the “Criollo” group of grapes, which is a term used for the European vitis viniferas wine grapes that have been subjected to a selection process by Americans.
The Torrontes Wine in Argentina
The torrontés grows throughout Argentina and its surface is increasing. Part of this increase comes from the increase in Argentine wine exports, since the grape has been successful in the United States, the United Kingdom and other places, but it has also been due to a better understanding and identification of the different strains of torrontés, which have allowed to better account for plantations. For a long time (until the end of the 20th century) Torrontés was behind Pedro Giménez and Ugni Blanc in the list of the most widely planted white varieties in Argentina. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the decline in the plantations of these two varieties and the increase in popularity of torrontés allowed it to surpass them and become the most widely planted Argentine white variety, a position it held in 2008.
The different strains of torrontés have developed their niche in different areas of Argentina. La Rioja torrontés is widely planted in the La Rioja area (where it is the most widely planted grape) and in the province of Salta. In Salta, grapes are often planted in sandy areas at high altitudes, about 1600 m above sea level. There, the weather conditions help this strain maintain high acidity and strong flavors.
In the arid province of San Juan, the San Juan torrontés is planted in much lower quantities than the Riojan torrontés. Mendoza torrontés is by far the least planted strain. The Mendoza torrontés is found mainly in the south of the Río Negro province.
The wines of Cafayate
The amazing landscapes, the uniquecolors, the breeze from the mountains and a transparent sky, make the Salta Wine Route the chosen place to enjoy historic towns, vineyards, wineries and wines. In Salta, the cultivation of the vine was introduced by the Jesuits in the 18th century, mainly in Cafayate. Here the Torrontés strain matures, a white wine that is distinguished by its intense fruity aroma and flavor. This variety has reached a unique expression in Salta soil, becoming the flagship white grape of our country.
Today the vineyards extend for more than 3300 hectares between the departments of Cafayate, San Carlos, Cachi, Molinos and La Viña. Optimal areas for the cultivation and production of Torrontés and other strains such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat, Bonarda, Syrah, Barbera and Tempranillo with very striking places and landscapes such as Quebrada de las Flechas, Quebrada de las Conchas and centuries-old towns with an enormous cultural wealth that is expressed in its music and crafts. In recent years the industry has experienced great growth and development favoring the production of extraordinary quality wines, recognized in international markets and competitions. The quality and particularity of the high altitude wines from Salta are the result of the combination of the privileged conditions of the terroir and technological innovation, added to the dedication and knowledge of the producers.
One of the most influential factors is the height of the valleys in which the vineyards are located. This not only favors the great thermal amplitude, but the sun’s rays are more intense and the air, purer and drier. The conjunction of these factors added to the peculiar characteristics of the soil and its components, allow to achieve wines of great character, strong personality and excellent quality, with distinctive aromas, colors and flavors.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the region is the production of the torrontés strain, from which a white wine is obtained that is distinguished by its intense aroma and fruity flavor. This variety brought from Spain has reached a unique expression in Salta soil, becoming the flagship grape of Salta and of Argentina itself.
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