Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I also tasted the 2016 Torrontés Serie A from Salta, from a vintage that looks superb for whites in this northern location. This is still very young, and contrary to what most people think, I like (good) Torrontés after some time in bottle. They got very low yields because of some early frost, but it was a very different vintage than the one in Mendoza; here, it was a lot drier and healthier. This is sharp and balanced, with great freshness, bone dry and austere, elegant without overpowering aromas. There are aromas of pear and green apple, not as perfumed as many examples of the grape, a little closed, but should develop more floral notes with some time in the bottle. This should be superb with some more time in bottle; it opened up nicely with time in the glass. 60,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2016; it's usually bottled the first spring after the harvest.
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.
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.