Torrontés route —a tour round the main destinations for the most local wine of the country

The most local white wine. The only one that is born exclusively in Argentinian soil. The worldwide award-winning wine. The one with unmistakable bouquet. 

Did you know that Torrontés is the only grapevine 100% Argentinian? If we talk about wine, we know that Malbec is a national icon; yet, the only one with the exclusive Argentinian signature is the white Torrontés. The crossing of two grapes (Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica or Pais) gave birth to this wine. Grape growers found them secretly growing among vine arbours, and their uniqueness caught their attention immediately. Due to its fresh mouthfeel, floral and fruity aromatic intensity, and exact acidity, it has become part of every wine lover’s toast.

We don’t trifle with this wine in Argentina. Actually, we are the fifth wine producer country in the world and ninth worldwide consumer. That’s why the local grapevine born in Argentinian soil couldn’t be any less than excellent. There are three varieties: Mendocino, Sanjuanino and Riojano. The latter leads the way due to its high oenological value, making it the second most exported white wine of the country. It’s been granted many awards and recognitions around the globe, and it’s the chosen variety as aperitif or to pair it with sea flavours, such as fish and shellfish.

To honour it (because it’s well worthy of it, right?), it has a place in the national calendar from October 4th to 11th with the Torrontés Week. We’ll point the compass to the northwest of the country, where the provinces hoisting its flag are. Would you like to know more? Keep on reading.

Mendoza

An article about Argentinian wines couldn’t not include the grape province: the one with the best winery in the world, the province with the vineyards at the foot of the mountains with snow peaks. It’s not surprising that its soil has most of the Riojana variety, an ideal place for its production in all its formats.

Mendoza, the Argentinian Wine Route gem, is a great starting point to get closer to this variety and know the behind the scenes of its production. Its 874 wineries (more than 140 are open to tourists), and its badge as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World, according to GWC, represent an invitation for those who enjoy the art of tasting wine. What’s more, the province is home to the best vineyard of the world, selected for the third time in a row by The World’s Best Vineyard: Zuccardi Valle de Uco. Of course, they offer the variety we’re talking about.

Did you know? The Torrontés from the Susana Balbo winery, in the Agrelo area, was awarded the golden medal in the Decanter Wine Awards 2020, one of the most prestigious prizes in the industry.

Salta

Salta “La Linda,” or the pretty city, is not only a nice place. It’s nowadays becoming more popular not only due to its colourful landscapes, but also to its importance in the wine universe. In the Cafayate valley, in the north of the country, the Torrontés grapevine has found a paradise. Thanks to the sunny weather, little rainfall, and a height of 3,000 metres above sea level, the grapevine easily grows.

So, it’s not surprising that it has become the official home for this variety. Salta flies the Torrontés flag. This wine finds its best version there: a strong personality, fruity bouquet and an irresistible taste. The plan includes visiting wineries and tasting the star of this destination. Many wineries also provide accommodation; so, you can’t miss sleeping surrounded by vines.

To complete its feature as a great oenological destination, let’s point out the Museum of Vine and Wine, and Bodega Colomé. The former tells you about the history and characteristics of the local wines. The latter, the oldest vineyard of the country, has been working for more than 180 years, and it holds the 35th position among the best vineyards of the world according to The World’s Best Vineyards.

La Rioja

If you’ve been paying attention, by now you’ll know that the Riojana variety stands on the winner’s podium. That’s why it goes without saying that La Rioja has a special place in the Torrontés Route. Just as Salta, it’s part of the NOA region and so, the weather conditions are similar, making it a favourable place for the vine growth: warm, dry and little rainfall.

Its green, red and yellow valleys are reasons enough to plan a trip around this province. Yet, if we add to the beauty of its landscapes the delightful Torrontés bouquet, you can’t have any excuse to visit it. Its 19 wineries (some with a family signature, and others more industrial-like) are part of the Route of the Torrontés Riojano; a route that goes through the most productive and touristic regions that invite you to value even more the significance of the vine.

San Juan

It’s the second most important wine-making province of the country. Where wine is crucial, such a position is not a trivial thing. The 16% of its total surface, decorated by valleys and mountains, is allocated to the production of the grape elixir. Even though Syrah is the local icon, when talking about white wines, Torrontés comes into play unquestionably.

Its arid soil and the strong sun make vineyards fertile. So, traditional, moderns and boutique wineries have settled in. With state-of-the-art machinery, they have dared try new techniques in the industry and come up with wine varieties nationally and internationally awarded. The Wine Route here is divided among five valleys: Calingasta, Pedernal, Tulum, Ullum-Zonda, and Fértil. The numerous wineries open to the public make this wine and tourist route unique in the country.