Torrentes ... the Argentine White

Torrentes....a Distinctive White from South America

South American vineyards have recently been a source of both grape diversity and value for wine drinkers. Chile is a well known source of value and is home of Carmenere, a refugee from European vineyards that seems to be finding success on the international market--success based on both quality and value. Argentina has another well documented European ex-pat, Malbec, which has become a major player on the international wine stage. Even Uruguay, not usually considered a wine producer of note has its Tannat (more on this in a later Hub). What distinguishes these wine varieties is that they are decidedly red and full bodied. Distinctive white wines from South America seem not as common as singular distinct reds.

There is one significant exception to this state of affairs -- no, I am not talking about the raft of Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays originating from South of the equator. While these can be very good and even outstanding they are not that noticeably different from examples of these grapes produced elsewhere. However, the variety responsible for some of the most charming and individualistic South American white wines is the Torrentes grape of Argentina. While some is grown in Chile and New Zealand and there is a grape variety of a similar name grown in Portugal and Galicia in Spain, Torrentes is an Argentine gem -- and where to discover the best examples.

What you need to know...

The flavor profile of this wine is decidedly unlike more mainstream whites such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. and is more akin to aromatic varieties like Muscat and Gewurztraminer. Unlike these of potential heavyweight (in body) wines the best examples of Torrentes are light to medium in body and display a very attractive vivacious nature in the mouth. As you might guess Torrentes produces a wine that is quite aromatic -- as it is genetically related to the Muscat grape. The best wines from Torrentes are quite fresh and ought to be consumed young as to take advantage of this characteristic.

It is this fresh acidity makes Torrentes a great aperitif and great match for a wide range of cuisine. At the table it may shine with cuisines that are often thought to difficult to pair with wine. Aromatically, Torrentes is quite precocious. This along with its youthful and vibrant acidity combined with a refreshing fruit component it may turn it into a reliable choice when thinking Asian food -- Thai and Vietnamese spring to mind. However, Torrentes will be most useful when there is seafood on your plate. Its crisp acidity and aromatic nature will briskly clear the palate preparing you for the next bit of Oyster, Mussel, Clam or almost anything that has fins that should come your way. This is especially true if the seasonings and garnish veer toward the highly aromatic.

There are a wide range of producers who make this distinctive wine. Some of the most notable include Bodegas Lurton, Bodegas Norton, Crios de Susana Balbo and Alamos. Prices are very affordable--under $20, some way under-- making experimenting with this new varietal relatively low risk and likely quite rewarding.