Torrontés
The name Torrontés is used to refer to a number of different white grape varieties in Argentina, Spain and Portugal. Best known is the Torrontés Riojano variety, often referred to simply as Torrontés.
Torrontés Riojano is the most common variety, considered to be a national speciality in Argentina. In fact, it is one of the country’s most widely-planted white grape variety. Torrontés Riojano is a natural cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica, the latter better known as Mission in California. These wines are very aromatic and have naturally high acidity.
At their worst, Torrontés Riojano wines can be overly alcoholic, bitter, rough on the palate and lacking in acidity. The best Torrontés Riojano has intense aromatics of fruity and floral notes, are rich and medium-bodied and have balanced acidity. The high-altitude vineyards of the Salta province in northern Argentina are home to some of the best expressions of the grape, with the Cafayate region making particularly great wines. Producers in Mendoza and elsewhere also make exemplary Torrontés Riojano wines. These varieties are also found in La Rioja (not to be confused with Spain’s Rioja) and San Juan.
There are at least two other grapes in Argentina that bear the Torrontés name.
The first, Torrontés Sanjuanino, is grown in the San Juan province and in Chile, under the name Moscatel de Austria. Plantings of this variety are less significant than those of Torrontés Riojano, however, like Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino is also a natural cross of the Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica varieties. It is less aromatic, though both varieties are considered to show some Muscat-like aromas.
The second is Torrontés Mendocino, whose plantings are even smaller again. Torrontés Mendocino is most significant in the Río Negro province. It also counts Muscat of Alexandria as a parent, though its other parent is unknown. It does not have the Muscat-like aromas common to the other two Torrontés varieties.
In Spain alone, there are at least four individual grape varieties to whom the Torrontés name is applied. They can be found in the regions of Extramadura, Montilla-Moriles, Navarra and Ribeiro. In Portugal, Torrontes is a commonly-encountered synonym for many different wines.
For wines that bear strikingly similar resemblance to others in taste and name, it helps to lean on an expert for advice! Find top-rated Torrontés wines selected and reviewed by the professionals at Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Our database contains all the information you could want and need about Torrontés and other popular wines.
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Allan Hancock 2021 Torrentes Riojano (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastAlmost the color of water in the glass, this clean and crisp ...Best BuySee Full Review$15 -
La Posta 2021 Blanco White (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceA blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Torrontés, it displays notes ...Best BuySee Full Review$18 -
Montlaiz 2021 Dandelion Torrontés (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceAromatic lemon zest and chalky notes open the nose, leading to a ...See Full Review$16 -
Areyna 2021 Torrontés (Cafayate)
OtherThis wine is delicate on the nose, showing subtle flowers and peaches. ...See Full Review$15 -
Valentín Bianchi 2021 Torrontés
Mendoza ProvinceSweet white flowers and lime aromas are lively on the nose. This ...Best BuySee Full Review$12 -
Rancho Campo 2021 Torrontés (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceHerbaceous and ripe stone-fruit flavors are mild on the palate. This wine ...See Full Review$21 -
Etchart 2021 Terroir de Altura Torrontés (Salta)
OtherThe austere nose on this wine offers subtle citrus aromas. It has ...See Full Review$24 -
Bodega de Edgar 2020 La Guera White (Central Coast)
Central CoastAromas of light honeysuckle, pineapple rinds and mandarin sorbet invite the nose ...See Full Review$42 -
Scotto Family Cellars 2021 Silvaspoons Vineyard Reserve Torrontés (Lodi)
Central ValleyThis herbal-tasting and full-bodied wine starts with fresh parsley and thyme aromas ...Best BuySee Full Review$13 -
Alta Vista 2020 Estate Torrontés (Salta)
OtherThe delicate nose shows aromas of orange zest, lime and kumquat. On ...See Full Review$18 -
Bodega El Transito 2020 Pietro Marini Torrontés (Salta)
OtherHerbal, white flowers and lime notes on the nose. The palate shows ...See Full Review$18 -
Bodega Calle 2018 Orange White (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceSubtle notes of lemon and white flowers on the nose of this ...See Full Review$19 -
Chakana 2020 Estate Selection Torrontés (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceRipe citrus and stone fruit aromas lead to a palate with bitter ...See Full Review$31 -
Colomé 2021 Torrontés (Salta)
OtherThis wine shows great varietal typicity with an aromatic nose of geranium ...Best BuySee Full Review$12 -
Piattelli 2021 Torrontés (Salta)
OtherWhite grapefruit, lemon zest and white peach are on the nose of ...See Full Review$17 -
Santa Julia 2021 [+] Torrontés (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceWith tropical fruit and subtle flower notes on the nose, this Torrontés ...Best BuySee Full Review$11 -
Amalaya 2021 White (Salta)
OtherThis Torrontés-dominant blend with a touch of Riesling gives up lychee, lemon ...Best BuySee Full Review$10 -
Tercos 2021 Torrontés (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceIntense citrus aromas of lime and orange zest, along with peppercorn and ...See Full Review$14 -
Amalaya 2021 Rosé (Salta)
OtherThis rosé was made almost entirely with Malbec grapes and delivers red ...See Full Review$10 -
Bodega de Edgar 2020 La Guera White (Central Coast)
Central CoastThere's sharp citrus edge to the nose of this blend of 75% ...See Full Review$42
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