Winemaker Notes
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
Home to some of Argentina’s best Torrontes, the Cafayate Valley’s rugged, high-altitude vineyards are part of the Calchaquies Valley in northwestern Argentina. Here, this Argentine white variety is able to achieve optimal ripeness while maintaining a higher than average acidity; its wines are typically full-bodied, dry to off-dry and alluringly aromatic.
In the Cafayate Valley, summers are warm and while most rainfall happens in these months, it isn’t enough to supply to the vineyards with enough water for the entire year. Snowmelt provides a fresh water source for irrigation in these arid and extreme conditionss.