£16 from Perfect Friday Wine, 13% abv I first came to this wine, El Porvenir's Laborum, in October last year, when I presented a range of South American wines for Perfect Friday Wine's annual customer tasting.
PFW and I tasted the wine briefly before the customers arrived. She was very happy with her selection, and yet, slightly concerned that she'd struggle to sell it. At £16, it's far from the cheapest Torrontes on the market.
I bet her I'd sell plenty. I've had many Torrontes in the 6 years since I first discovered this varietal on a holiday in Argentina. While I've always enjoyed them, few have seriously impressed me. This one did.
I've had expensive French Viogniers that have been less interesting and complex. She sold out of her initial consignment.
Finally, I got my hands on a bottle (her last one in stock before Christmas). Somehow, over the festive season, it was never the right time to open it.
Finally, the moment has come.
What this wine delivers
Bags of floral notes - perhaps more honeysuckle than elderflower, leap out of the glass. It's also got some nectarine, and slightly "orange Muscat" notes. There's a viscosity that gives a good weight in the mouth, and yet, good freshness on the finish.
You'll love it if...
Viognier and Gewurtztraminer feature in your fridge. It's highly aromatic, but highly different to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. That said, some SB fans did enjoy a taste.
When to drink it
Often I'd pair Torrontes with Thai food, such as green curry. This one feels a bit too special for that and is worth enjoying on its own. Of course, you could try it with cheese and charcuterie, or pâté, or even South American dishes such as ceviche or empanadas.
PFW and I tasted the wine briefly before the customers arrived. She was very happy with her selection, and yet, slightly concerned that she'd struggle to sell it. At £16, it's far from the cheapest Torrontes on the market.
I bet her I'd sell plenty. I've had many Torrontes in the 6 years since I first discovered this varietal on a holiday in Argentina. While I've always enjoyed them, few have seriously impressed me. This one did.
I've had expensive French Viogniers that have been less interesting and complex. She sold out of her initial consignment.
Finally, I got my hands on a bottle (her last one in stock before Christmas). Somehow, over the festive season, it was never the right time to open it.
Finally, the moment has come.
What this wine delivers
Bags of floral notes - perhaps more honeysuckle than elderflower, leap out of the glass. It's also got some nectarine, and slightly "orange Muscat" notes. There's a viscosity that gives a good weight in the mouth, and yet, good freshness on the finish.
You'll love it if...
Viognier and Gewurtztraminer feature in your fridge. It's highly aromatic, but highly different to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. That said, some SB fans did enjoy a taste.
When to drink it
Often I'd pair Torrontes with Thai food, such as green curry. This one feels a bit too special for that and is worth enjoying on its own. Of course, you could try it with cheese and charcuterie, or pâté, or even South American dishes such as ceviche or empanadas.
Mr Purple Teeth instantly loved the nose on this wine. He remarked "icing sugar smoothness", which I established was his shorthand description of the full, silky body with a hint of sweet lemon or even orange water icing.
In short, he loved the complexity, flavour, texture and agreed that it is no ordinary Torrontes.
In short, he loved the complexity, flavour, texture and agreed that it is no ordinary Torrontes.
Why is it so special?
Torrontes fans will know that this grape thrives on the high Argentine slopes of the Salta region. Within Salta, Cafayate is the best zone, and this wine is produced from a single vineyard there. A family producer, they've worked really hard to express the best of their region with 55 year old vines, producing a limited quantity. They've done a great job.
How do I get my hands on some?
Order for local delivery in Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor and surrounding direct from Perfect Friday Wine.
For orders further afield, try the importers, Ruta 40.
Cheers!
Torrontes fans will know that this grape thrives on the high Argentine slopes of the Salta region. Within Salta, Cafayate is the best zone, and this wine is produced from a single vineyard there. A family producer, they've worked really hard to express the best of their region with 55 year old vines, producing a limited quantity. They've done a great job.
How do I get my hands on some?
Order for local delivery in Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor and surrounding direct from Perfect Friday Wine.
For orders further afield, try the importers, Ruta 40.
Cheers!
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