Mendoza & the Queen of Argentina

Wine Regions of Argentina

Mendoza, the main wine growing region in Argentina is ubiquitous with Malbec, the red hot-red wine grape that is spearheading the rise of South American imports into the United States. This region is responsible for nearly 70% of Argentina's total wine production, albeit being a rather dry, arid region fueled by irrigation (very similar to Washington State, but we will leave that for another day). Elevation is what allows this hot, dry region to produce award winning wines as the cooler higher conditions allow grapes to ripen slowly which produces intense and concentrated wines. However, there is a second grape hailing from this up and comming region that is about to challenge Malbec for the Argentinian wine throne: Torrontes.

Torrontes is a medium sized white grape variety

Torrontes is a white grape, perfectly primed to soon become the Queen of the Argentinian wine industry. Its flavor hits dead on as to what most people love in an everyday white: lively acidity & a touch of ripe tropical stone fruits such as fresh apricots, nectarines, & white peaches. Despite these ripe fruit flavors, this wine is almost always produced "dry" meaning with 0% residual sugar. What really sets this wine apart from is flavor cousins of Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc, is a distinct floral nose and an almost silky light/medium body that allows this wine to handle light appetizers better then most summer whites.

What's best is that this grape has the same awesome feature as Malbec: its drastic affordability.

During my side job at the wine shop, I recently tasted the the Laberinto Torrontes and found it to be excellent example of a classic Torrontes, exhibiting the classic nose of Gardenia on the nose & apricot and pear on the palate strengthened by a stainless steel fermentation & aging. Setting this particular wine apart is its organic roots, and still for only $15 a bottle.

Due to its silky body and dry yet fruity taste, this is the perfect wine to have before dinner or during happy hour. The acidity will open up your palate, and rev-up your appetite - white the fruit can handle a bit of spice. As such, calamari, shrimp, and topping heavy salads are excellent choices (although I would avoid the Caesar dressing).

So whether you are looking for another great ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) or just longing for those summer porch sipping days to return, pick up a Torrontes and expand what you expect from our beloved Argentina.