All you need to know about Torrontés: A quick guide

Torrontés is a very aromatic white grape that became widely popular in Argentina (although may have originated in Spain). If you are a fan of extreme citrus and floral flavors, this is a wine you need to get your hands on. 

A few more notes on Torrontés:

• It is a cross of the very aromatic Muscat of Alexandria (from the Mediterranean) and Criolla Chica (Spanish Mission grape)
• It is meant to be consumed young, so you’ll usually see recent vintages
• Some of the most expressive Torrontés is from Salta in Argentina (though you can find it all over the country)
• There are three strains of this grape and each has unique characteristics: Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino, and Torrontés Mendocino.
• Torrontés Riojano (from La Rioja) is said to be the most expressive with more floral aromatics and greater acidity.
• Wines are fairly easy to find and moderately priced

The following guide will illustrate what Torrontés tastes like (aroma, flavor, and structure). It will also tell you where it’s from, provide you with common food recommendations, similar varieties, and let you know why you should be drinking more of it!

How would I describe Torrontés?

What does Torrontés taste like?

STANDARD TASTING NOTES: These are your benchmark exam-style tasting notes.

Orange

Apricot

Pineapple

Blossom

Rosemary

Wet Stone

ALTERNATIVE TASTING NOTES: Notes based on personal experience; fun, memorable, and less “by the book.”

Mangosteen

Prickly Pear

Orange Tic Tac

Ylang Ylang

Cilantro

Pine Soap

Remember, wine tastes are somewhat relative. There may be some different tasting notes you consistently find while drinking Torrontés.

What is the structure of Torrontés?

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to structure for every grape, however, there IS a general range when it comes to body, acid, alcohol, and tannin for each. Below are general guidelines for classic representations. Growing conditions and winemaking techniques can impact each of the following.

Medium Body

Think of that weight as a liquid scale, from water (light body) to heavy cream (full body) in your mouth. Torrontés is typically somewhere in the middle.

Medium Acid

You can judge acidity based on whether your mouth waters after you take a sip of something. The more you salivate, the higher the acid. Torrontés is medium to medium-plus in acid.

Medium Alcohol

You can feel alcohol ‘burn’ the back of your throat when you take a sip. Torrontés ranges, but is typically medium alcohol.

Where is Torrontés from?

Argentina

Primarily in: Salta

You can find the grape all over this region, but it thrives in the northern areas! 

SALTA: Said to have the best growing conditions for this grape, it also has the most extreme! This region has some of the highest growing conditions at 1,500-3,000m above sea level (higher than 5,200ft). The best are found within Cafayate. The climate is almost desert-like here, but the diurnal shift (or temperature change between day and night) is extreme, going from very hot to very cool temps. This gives the grape its fantastic “freshness”! 

Torrontés is also the single most widely planted variety in LA RIOJA and you can find some within the Uco Valley in Mendoza.

You can also find small amounts of Torrontés from Chile (where it’s typically used for Pisco), Uruguay, and the USA.

What foods should I pair with Torrontés?

Curry

Intensely flavored dish and intensely flavored wine! The combo is great. Just make sure the dish isn’t too heavy. Lighter curries with lighter meats often fare better.

Ceviche

The citrus notes and balanced acid are fantastic with ceviche as well as sushi and sashimi. Being such a light and fresh wine, it complements the dish well!

Pad Thai

Again with the intensity. There’s a subtle sweetness to the wine that balances out the spice here.

Other Pairings: Chicken, Tofu, Shrimp, Chorizo, Chinese, Peanut Dishes, Goat Cheese

What grape varieties are similar to Torrontés?

(common confusions)

Gewürtraminer has:

• more spice (not oak-influenced)
• less acid
• typically richer in texture

Viognier has:

• typically less citrus
• more body (fuller)
• often oak-influenced

Riesling has:

• less aromatic intensity
• higher acid
• typically more petrol notes

What are some great examples of Torrontés to try out?

Benchmark Wines

Bodega Colome

Salta (Argentina)

Susana Balbo ‘Crios’

Salta (Argentina)

Zuccardi ‘Serie A’

Salta (Argentina)

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