Torrontes: The White Grape of Argentina
If you first tried Torrontes a few years ago, you may have been overwhelmed by Eau de Cologne florals that quickly fall off to a flat and flabby finish. We’ve tasted a few recently and we’re impressed with the improved quality of the Torrontes . While still opening with a strong floral scent, today’s wines seem to have a much crisper texture, with an elegant, medium-weight body and generally have a powerful punch of peach and citrus flavors, similar to Viogniers. Torrontes is a great sipping or “stand-alone” wine. It’s terrific with salads, cheeses and grilled/smoked meats and can hold its own against spicy dishes as well.
Could Torrontes be the next Pinot Grigio sensation? Argentina Vintners (and a few others) would like to think so. Ambitious wineries are looking to reproduce the Malbec sensation with Torrontes and through some very similar tactics and we’re really excited to watch this market grow. Again, we love the quality to price point ratio.
Torrontes, the only grape considered indigenous to Argentina, is also the most popular and widely grown white grape in Argentina. This native white grape is grown mainly in the provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan and Rio Negro. Salta produces wines that are less flamboyant, but tend to be more crisp, whilst those from Mendoza are intense and ‘bigger’ wines.
And for a touch of trivia … In Chile, Torrontes grapes are grown primarilly for the production of Pisco. Try ordering a Pisco sour next time you’re our at a nice cocktail bar. yum.
In Honor of Summer, I Relent …
Summer days are precious in the Pacific Northwest and nothing says summer like a chill glass of white wine. So while we will continue to cover all things Malbec, I wanted to branch out and touch on Torrontes – the white grape that is as genuinely Argentine as Malbec.
The Right Wine, the Right Price, the Right Time
Argentina really god it right. Argentine wines are still gracefully floating above all the economic gloom. France is not so happy. Read more here.
Argentina Wine Exports Back in Growth
Argentine wine exports are back on track following a shaky start to the year, according to new figures.
Export volumes were up 3% in the first four months of 2009, despite a fall-off in January and February. The value of the exported wine was up 15%. The data was supplied by Market Research & Technology of Buenos Aires, which said Argentina’s two main export markets, the USA and Canada, had increased volumes by 36% and 52% respectively over the period.
Exports to the UK rose by 15%, behind other European markets including Germany, Switzerland and Finland. Malbec was the most exported varietal, and now accounts for 28% of volumes.
Mendoza Wine and Fine Photography
Ah, if only i had a bit more time … but maybe you do.
This photography workshop in Mendoza taught by Award-Winning Photographer Alison Wright looks like a fantastic way to spend a week abroad.
This workshop offers an exceptional opportunity for a small number of photo enthusiasts not only to shoot with a pro, but also to learn tips of the trade and have their work reviewed by an expert,” explains Ellen Hoffman, President of the Mendoza Intercultural Association which is sponsoring the event. Participants will also have a chance to meet and exchange perspectives with one or more local photographers.
The bonus is that you also get to enjoy local attractions including excellent meals, wine-tasting, and cultural events such as a tango demonstration.
For more info and how to register click here.
Morton’s Malbec Madness
<p>Wow, it’s really interesting to see a big chain restaurant focus on an individual varietal and, you guessed it, that varietal is Malbec. During the months of May, June and July, Morton’s network of over 50 restaurants throughout the US will be focusing on the wines from the Mendoza and Cafayate regions of Argentina. Five wines total from well-known brands, Trapiche and Michel Torino, will be paired with both beef and fish dishes and tastings will be held at participating restaurants from 6 – 7:30pm.</p>
<p>Visit their <a href=”http://www.mortons.com/malbec.php” target=”_blank”>site</a> for more info and dates and times of tastings.</p>
Malbec the New Merlot?
Could it be true? People are talking.
Take a look:
http://dallaseats.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-malbec-new-merlot.html
http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2009/04/wine_guy_argentina_and_malbecs.php
http://loveintheburbs.blogspot.com/2009/04/malbec-is-new-merlot.html
On one hand, I hope that all the buzz is true. I’ve never really been a fan of the sweet fruit forward aspects of Merlot and prefer the earthy tannins of Malbec. On the other, I’d hate to see Malbec’s fall prey to it’s own popularity where big wineries flood the market with mass produced clone wines offering no soul. I’m not too worried; there are a lot if great makers putting out some great wines. Muymalbec.com will continue to review out favorites. Later this week: Yellow and Blue 2007 Malbec.
Environmental Upside to Imports?
Who knew? The carbon footprint of wine shipped from over seas is lower than wine shipped domestically by truck … that means right here in Seattle I can enjoy a bottle of Argentine wine and feel better about my carbon footprint than if I was drinking a CA wine. hmmm. Christopher makes some good points here about train transport. But until the U.S. curbs it’s oil consumption and rejuvenates it’s rail system, I’ll by my produce local and my wine from overseas.
Much more at this link about the original National Geographic article … including this great little graphic.
A Good List of Wine and Food Pairings
And much attention is given to Malbecs. Oh yes, if you love meat, you will love Malbec. Apparently it also goes well with veggies … um, good to know.
Muy Malbec 