Torrontés

Synonymies: currently different varieties are called torrontés in the Iberian Peninsula as well as in Argentina, so we will always talk about the variety in a specific area.

In Spain there are at least two different varieties of torrontés: one in Ourense and the other in Ribeiro. These varieties are short-cycled. Single varietal wines are almost never made from them and it is more common to see them in blends with other Galician varieties such as treixadura, godello, albariño, loureira and doña blanca. The varieties known as torrontés contribute green or tropical white fruit, white flowers, as well as freshness and moderate alcohol.

The variety responsible for Argentina's distinctive floral whites is known as torrontés riojano. This variety is also short-cycled and does particularly well at the altitude of the vineyards of Cafayate (Salta, Argentina), where it is often made as a single varietal. It is a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Prieto Picudo, so its aromatic profile is highly floral (jasmine and orange blossom) and citric. In the mouth it has good acidity, is warm and can present a slight bitter finish.