Torrontés

• Color: White
• Grape Parentage: Criolla Chica x Muscat of Alexandria
• Place of Origin: Argentina
• Origin of Grape Name: “Torrontés” may be derived from the Spanish word for “torrent”
• Major Countries of Production:
  • Argentina: 8,277 hectares (2015, Argentina Harvest Report, English Version)
• Synonyms:
  • Argentina: Torrontel, Torrontel Riojano, Malvasia
  • Note: There are three types of Torrontés in Argentina, but the best wines are produced from Torrontés Riojano.  Torrontés Sanjuanino is a separate variety, also a crossing of Criolla Chica x Muscat of Alexandria. It is less aromatic. Torrontés Mendocino counts Muscat of Alexandria as one parent, but the other remains unidentified. The Spanish Torrontés found in Galicia and the Terrantez of Madeira are unrelated.
• Viticultural Characteristics: Thick-Skinned, High-Yielding
• Preferred Soil Type: Sand
• Common Blending Partners: None

Typical Descriptors and Structure for Salta Torrontés

• Visual: Yellow with Hints of Green, Moderate Plus Concentration
• Aromas/Flavors: High Intensity
  • Fruit: Synthetic Grape, Tropical Fruit (Pineapple, Guava, Papaya), Ripe Citrus (Orange, Meyer Lemon), Ripe Stone Fruit (Peach), Melon
  • Floral: Highly Floral/Perfumed, Orange Blossoms, Roses, Jasmine, Geraniums
  • Other: Hand Lotion/Soapy, Potpourri, Slight Musk Spice
  • Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality
  • Oak: None
• Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus Body, Moderate to Elevated Acidity, Elevated Alcohol, Possible Phenolic Bitterness