Welcome to the fifth in our Wine 103 series, where we continue to explore single varietals that you may see in the store or restaurant. If you haven’t been through Wine 101 or Wine 102 yet, have no fear, you can go back through the links. If you have a moment, go back and check them out! Today we’ll be talking about Torrontés!
Torrontés
Torrontés actually refers to one of three different grapes located primarily in Argentina. While the specific grapes are worth taking time to study before a wine exam, the most important detail for those looking to drink Torrontés is this; the best ones comes from Argentina. When poorly made, Torrontés is overly alcoholic and bitter, and yet, it’s the white wine from Argentina with the greatest potential. Correctly made, Torrontés is bright, aromatically loaded, packed with fruity flavors like peach, meyer lemon, floral elements, and a refreshing character. The best are produced at high altitudes, and most are reasonably priced.
Quick Facts on Torrontés
Color: White
Style: Dry
Body: Light – Medium
General Characteristics: Grapefruit, Lemon, Saline, Peach, Floral
Notable Regions: Argentina
Las Vides Torrontés 2014
Cheap Torrontés is always hit and miss, but Las Vides Torrontés hails from a higher altitude in the Famatima Valley. So does it make for better wine?
Sight: A moderate straw with a hint of gold
Smell: Fruit abounds, with guava, unripe peaches, and apricot lead off with touches of meyer lemon. Lychee pervades with honeysuckle. There’s a hint of very bright fruity pebbles and salinity.
Sip: Bright, with just the tiniest hints of sweetness. The body is more in the moderate side of things, but thanks to the huge acidity, it’s punchy and lively. Pineapple, guava, and lychee come together, and then are smacked with a burst of lemon and salinity. Touches of flowers come into play as well.
Savor: The ending has a good amount of peach and meyer lemon. It’s a refreshing ending with a ton of fruity character.
Clean and flavorful, Las Vides Torrontés is refreshing at a bargain of a price. The most amazing feature is it’s staying ability, lingering for a very long finish that keeps popping with fresh stone fruit and tropical fruits. The floral characteristics add depth, making it more than a one-note wonder. If you happen to like refreshing whites, than Las Vides Torrontés definitely worth a try at under a 10 spot.
Verdict: Guava, Meyer Lemon, Lychee, Floral, Bright
Rating: 88
Price: $7
Famatima Valley, Argentina