As yesterday was officially the first day of summer and the summer solstice, we are now all officially in the mode. My hydrangea are fully in bloom and the air conditioning is on, so we are now thinking summer wines. And Terry of course has another suggestion.
Today we are taking a look at a refreshing summer white varietal – Torrentes. You’ve had a long day at work and you come home to your refrigerator on one of those hot 90 degree days. You want to relax with a glass of something with flavor, but a nice white that is going to refresh the palate, with just one sip that will relax your thoughts from the day.
You want a wine other than Chardonnay tonight. Torrontes is a grape variety grown in Argentina that fits the bill!! The wine has balanced acidity with a round flavor that if so refreshing.
The Torrontes grape is cultivated in the Argentine provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan and Rio Negro. The Torrontes wine made from this white grape is considered the best of its kind in the entire world. There are many different producers now entering the United States and one of my favorites is Jelu. For $11 a bottle you can’t miss this great summer wine.
The wine shows hints of delicious peach and citrus fruit and is a glass you will not want to put down. It is great as an aperitif or with cold seafood or some smoked meats and even some spicy Thai foods. The cluster of the Torrentes grapes is a mixture of some small berries and some large ones, as seen above.
The map of Argentina above shows many of the growing regions. Mendoza and Salta are two of the areas where many of the producers are growing their vines. Paul Hobbs, owner of Paul Hobbs wines from California, is producing wines in Argentina and is also consulting winemaker to a number of other producers. It is a definite must to travel to the wine country and make a point of staying at the Cavas Wine Lodge which is so charming. Photos below.
A view in the summer of vines around the Cavas Wine Lodge with a distinct view of the Andes in the distance.
Thanks Terry. It’s always great to have a reasonable go-to summer white wine to serve to guests or have at home.
Love Argentinian wines and have never been disappointed… I’m definitely trying a Torrontes soon!
xxoo
I have always wanted to go to Argentina – now I have another reason!!! Beautiful post.
wine? argentina? i’m in!! xo
That Cavas Wine Lodge looks amazing!! I would love to see the Andes mountain range. I will look for this wine on the shelves…helps to connect with that beautiful part of the world.
I love learning about something new! I don’t think I’ve ever had Torrentes. Sound like I’ll have to expand my palate and give it a try — maybe with some Thai takeout. Thanks to you and to Terry for the introduction!
…and Argentina produces some fine wines…
will have to check this one out as well…
best,
maureen
One trip to Argentina and several glasses of wine; perfection!
Great tour, q.
Have a nice day.
Teresa
xoxo
That does sound refreshing! Will have to try!
xo Cathy
Sounds good. Seems we have friends and my husband who are tired of Chardonnay. We’ll give this a try. Thanks.
One of my girlfriends love Argentinean wines. She’s an expert on the regions. And, you’ve shown us a map so now I can converse with her intelligently. In fact, she just brought over a couple of bottles last night for me to try this week. Great post, very informative and beautiful, Stacey. xx’s
There is so much going on in Argentina it is amazing
This sounds great, as I find chardonnay a bit heavy in the summertime. So excited for this new recommendation!!
Cheers to summer!!
Torrentes is so wonderful for summertime afternoon and with the cold seafood or chicken dish
Summer solstice makes me happy! Anxious to try this wine… love Argentinian reds, but wouldn’t have known what to pick as far as whites go. Thanks!
Also look for the Pie de Palo Viognier from Argentina – delicious
I have a favorite Argentinian Sav. Blac….I’ll be on the hunt for some
Torrentes now…it sounds perfect for summer.