Torrontés
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Torrontés | |
|---|---|
| Species: | Vitis vinifera |
| Also called: | Albariño Francés, Aris |
| Notable regions: | Argentina |
Torrontes is the characteristic white wine grape of Argentina, producing fresh, aromatic white wines.[1] In fact the name is given to three criolla varieties in Argentina, Torrontés Riojano which is most common, Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino.
A grape called Torrontés is found in Galicia in Spain - the relationship to the Argentine varieties is uncertain.
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[edit] History
Recent DNA research has shown that Torrontés is related to the Malvasia group of grapes which originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and found their way to Atlantic islands such as Madeira. It is not known how it arrived in Argentina, but it seems to have been there a long time, suggesting that it was brought by Spanish colonists, quite possibly missionaries.
DNA research has also confirmed that the two major commercial varieties, Torrontés Riojano and Torrontés Sanjuanino are closely related; Torrontés Mendocino has ampelographic differences that suggest it may be something different.
[edit] Distribution and Wines
[edit] Argentina
There's around 8700ha of Torrontés Riojano and 4850ha of Torrontés Sanjuanino in Argentina, with recent success in the very high altitudes (1700m+) of the Calchaquíes Valleys in the far north of Argentina.
[edit] Chile
Torrontés is grown in Chile, but mostly for the production of Pisco.
[edit] Vine and Viticulture
Torrontés likes dry, windswept conditions. Torrontés Riojano has large loose bunches of pale grapes. Torrontés Sanjuanino is similar, whereas Torrontés Mendocino has smaller, tighter bunches of darker yellow grapes.
[edit] Synonyms
Moscatel de Austria
[edit] References
- ^ Robinson, Jancis Vines, Grapes & Wines Mitchell Beazley 1986 ISBN 1857329996
[edit] See also
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