For many, Argentina is synonymous with Malbec; but it has a signature white grape that, unlike Malbec, is actually native to the country. Torrontés, of which there are actually three different varieties, is a very aromatic grape, likely because it is genetically related to the perfumed Muscat of Alexandria. High altitude is key when it comes to quality Torrontés, and many of its vines are located among the world’s highest vineyards, where the climate is dry and sunny, with a significant nighttime temperature drop to help preserve acidity. Without this mitigating altitude, Torrontés wines can be overly alcoholic and spicy, losing the ripe, fresh fruit and floral aromatics for which the grape is known.
Learn all about this youthful white grape variety with our illustrated guide to Torrontés.
