(tore-RON-tayz)
Synonyms: 3 main varieties:
Torrontés Riojano is also known as Malvasia, Torrontel, and Torrontel Riojano.
Torrontés Sanjuanino is also known as Moscatel Romano, Moscatel Sanjuanino, and Torrontés
Torrontés Mendocino is also known as Chichera, Loca Blanca, Palet, Torrontel, Uva Chichera, Torrontés Mendozino
Wine Name: Torrontés (usually Torrontés Riojano)
Background: Torrontés is an aromatic white grape grown mostly in Argentina that is a cross between Muscat and Criolla. It has the floral and light spice aromas of Muscat and often will mimic a Gewürtztraminer except that it is high acid and not as full-bodied as a Gewürtz. In Argentina it is frequently consumed with a twist of lime on the rocks called a Tincho. Sometimes it is made as a sweet wine.
Classic Brands and Sources: Alamos, Camino del Inca, Bodega Colome, Norton, Tomero, Zuccardi
Characteristics:
| Style #1 – dry
Body – medium Acidity – high Sweetness – dry but floral Tannins – low |
| Style #2 – sweet
Body – medium (+) to full Acidity – perceived as medium Sweetness – sweet Tannins – low |
Wine and food pairing guidelines:
Pairs with medium-bodied acidic dishes along with spices and hotness
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
Fish, shellfish, chidken, veal and pork with acidic sauces and spicy sacues, South American and Pacific rim cuisine
Cheese Pairings:
Boursin herbed, Brick, Derby, Feta (sheep’s milk), goat cheese, Gouda, Havarti, Majorero (Spanish hard goat cheese) Mahon, Bucheron (French goat cheese), dry Jack cheese, pepper Jack, Cream cheese, Neufchatel , Saint -Felicien (French cow;s milk cheese), Raclette, Pave Affinois