This is definitely a marmite grape – you’ll love it or hate it. As a personality it wouldn’t be shy. It has that overt floral character that springs from the glass, at it’s best it bursts with orange blossom perfume. Then on the palate the nicest versions have a zesty grapefruit bite with a mild lychee fruit interior. It is best drunk young since as it matures those floral notes become more pot pourri, but the finest versions can age with some interesting complexity.
To find Torrontes you have to venture to Argentina, it really is the countries original native grape. The highest altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley or Northern Salta region produce the best Torrontes because the cooler nights help it retain acidity.
The Facts
A grape with high phenolics meaning it can get a bit oily textured if the winemaker doesn’t manage them well. Typically it is fermented in tank with no malolactic or oak ageing. But there are a few oaked versions which add a smoky spicy dimension to the fruit.
Alternatives
Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Zibbibo, Moschofilero
Classic Regions
Argentina: Mendoza (Uco Valley), Salta
Food Matches
Asian stir fries, sweet sour pork, Thai Curry, Ceviche, Sushi, Tofu, Butternut squash