Torrontés has for sure the blue-and-white flag tattooed on it, and this article tells you which destinations to travel to in order to taste the way it must be sipped. The most homemade white wine, the only one born exclusively in the Argentine territory, awarded with prizes and mentions from around the world and with an unmistakable scent. 

 

Torrontés is the only 100% native grape variety in Argentina? Malbec may be the national icon when it comes to wine, but the one with an exclusively Argentine hallmark is the white Torrontés.

The cross between two grapes - Moscatel de Alejandría and Criolla Chica- gave rise to this one, which due to its unique character caught the attention of winegrowers who discovered it growing secretly among grapevines. Because of its freshness, its characteristic aromatic intensity with fruity and floral tones, coupled with its right acidity, it quickly filled every glass from each and every wine buff.  

In Argentina, this beverage is not taken in strides: it is the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world and the ninth largest consumer. Therefore, the homemade grape that was born on local soil could not be less than excellent.

There are three variants: Mendoza, San Juan and Rioja. The latter is in the lead due to its high enological value, which positions it as the second most exported white wine in the country.

With many awards and recognitions from around the world under its label, it is chosen as an aperitif before meals or to pair with seafood flavours, such as fish and shellfish. To pay tribute to it (because it deserves it, right?), from October 4 to 11 the national calendar makes room for it with the Torrontés Week, pointing to the northwest of the country where the provinces that bear its banner are located.

Any note on Argentine wines cannot rule out Mendoza, the province of grapes, the province of the best wineries in the world, the province of vineyards at the foot of mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. No wonder its soil concentrates the largest surface area of the Rioja variety, an ideal home for the production of this drink in all its formats. 

Mendoza, the jewel of the Argentine Wine Route, is a great starting point to approach this variety and take a behind-the-scenes peek at its production. Its 874 wineries - with more than 140 open to tourism - and its standard as one of the Great Wine Capitals on the face of the planet - according to GWC (Great Wine Capitals) - are a perfect invitation for those who like enjoying the art of sipping a good glass of wine.

At the same time, it is home to the best winery in the world, chosen for a third year in a row by The World’s Best Vineyard: Zuccardi Valle de Uco.