Winemaker Notes
This wine pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, fresh shellfish and focaccia topped with tapenade.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The unoaked 2017 Estate Torrontés was produced with grapes from old vines in Cafayate in Salta at 2,300 meters in altitude, harvested at three different points in time and ripeness, trying to keep a constant character. The grapes were pressed in Cafayate, then the must was transported in refrigerated trucks to Mendoza, where it fermented in stainless steel. It's bottled without malolactic and drier than in previous years. For Patrick d'Aulan, old vines make more of a difference for whites than for reds. This could remind you of a dry Muscat from Alsace. They have worked in this new style of Torrontés since 2000, moving away from the heavier, more oxidative style of yesteryear. And they went for something fresher, perhaps a little too aromatic, which they have reduced in the last two or three years, with more balance and a subtler nose. There is a nice bitter twist on the finish. A benchmark Torrontés. 50,697 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2017.
Unapologetically fun and distinctively fragrant, Torrontés is regarded as the signature white grape of Argentina. In many ways it bears a striking resemblance to Muscat (and in fact is an offspring of Muscat of Alexandria). Sommelier Secret—If you’re in search of a new summer sipper, look no further than Torrontés. These wines are always inexpensive, delightfully refreshing and are best enjoyed in the sunny outdoors at a picnic, poolside or on the porch.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.