My Argentine wine affair began with Malbec but it grew quickly to an appreciation for other Argentine wines like Bonarda and Torrontés. It was in Argentina that I first tasted Torrontés, Argentina's emblematic white wine. This article on Torrontés will focus on Recuerdo Wines in Mendoza, Argentina that produces high quality Torrontés. Recuerdo Wines is part of the Bespoke Collection. The Bespoke Collection also includes Blackbird Vineyards and Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley. Before I introduce Recuerdo Wines Torrontés 2012 let us take a look at what grapes make a great Torrontés.
Argentine Torrontés Grapes
Argentine Torrontés grapes are grown in the provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan and Rio Negro. Throughout Argentina there are three grape varieties of Torrontés that are grown. These varieties are Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino, and Torrontés Mendocino. The result is not all Argentine Torrontés smell and taste the same. Torrontés Riojano, originally grown in Rioja and Salta, is regarded as the best overall grape for producing high quality aromatic Torrontés. A recent New York Times article by Eric Aismov on Torrontés also suggests this to be true. It is important to note therefore that grapes used in the production of Recuerdo's Torrontés are grown in the Fatima Valley, Rioja.
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| Torrontés Vineyard, La Rioja (Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Collection)
The best of Torrontés wines have been described as highly aromatic, with floral, citrus and other inviting scents. Ideally Torrontés wines should be crisp, dry and light. However, given the range of Torrontés grape varieties and winemaking styles this is not always the case.
My First Encounter with Recuerdo Torrontés
Last year at the Wine Bloggers Conference (#WBC12) in Portland, Oregon I tasted a Recuerdo Torrontés 2011. It was during a live blogging session of only five minutes that we were introduced to Recuerdo Wines. Now, almost one year later, I am happy to review Recuerdo Torrontés 2012. I was provided a sample by Recuerdo Wines, with no obligation except to write an article to share with Spaswinefood readers.
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Recuerdo Torrontés at #WBC12 © Spaswinefood
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Recuerdo Torrontés 2012
Even though Recuerdo Wines Torrontés 2012 is only the third vintage there is no mistake about its overall high quality. Recuerdo Torrontés grapes are grown at 3,298 feet above sea level in its Northern Argentina desert vineyard. The wine made from the grapes grown there captures the essence of this high altitude terroir.
I found Recuerdo Torrontés 2012 to be highly aromatic, with floral and citrus hints. It is crisp, dry and light bodied. While it pairs well with many foods I think it is at its best when paired with spicy foods. Recuerdo Torrontés compares well with Torrontés from Bodega Colomé and Bodegas Etchart from Salta. You will find reviews of Recuerdo Torrontés 2012 at D'Vine Wine Time, James The Wine Guy video, One Girl One Glass One World, Beverage Testing Institute, The Frugal Wine Snob and Virtual Wine Bar.
Even though Recuerdo Wines Torrontés 2012 is only the third vintage there is no mistake about its overall high quality. Recuerdo Torrontés grapes are grown at 3,298 feet above sea level in its Northern Argentina desert vineyard. The wine made from the grapes grown there captures the essence of this high altitude terroir.
I found Recuerdo Torrontés 2012 to be highly aromatic, with floral and citrus hints. It is crisp, dry and light bodied. While it pairs well with many foods I think it is at its best when paired with spicy foods. Recuerdo Torrontés compares well with Torrontés from Bodega Colomé and Bodegas Etchart from Salta. You will find reviews of Recuerdo Torrontés 2012 at D'Vine Wine Time, James The Wine Guy video, One Girl One Glass One World, Beverage Testing Institute, The Frugal Wine Snob and Virtual Wine Bar.
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| Recuerdo Torrontés 2012 © Spaswinefood |
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| Let's tango: Recuerdo Torrontés 2012 © Spaswinefood |
The Production of Recuerdo Wines
I always appreciate knowing something about those who produce the wines. The wine making team includes Pablo Martorell, winemaker and Santiago Achaval, consulting winemaker.
I always appreciate knowing something about those who produce the wines. The wine making team includes Pablo Martorell, winemaker and Santiago Achaval, consulting winemaker.
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Santiago Achaval (left) and Pablo Martorell (right) (Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Collection)
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Now for a few photos from Mendoza, the home of Recuerdo Wines. According to a recent article Mendoza has now become the largest cultivator and producer of Torrontés.
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Vineyards at Recuerdo Wines (Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Collection)
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Vineyards at Recuerdo's Vines of Mendoza (Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Collection)
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Vineyards at Recuerdo'sVines of Mendoza (Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Collection)
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A good Torrontés, like Recuerdo Torrontés 2012, will catch your attention, just like a good tango will. It is without doubt that Recuerdo is on my list of favorite Argentine Torrontés. Argentina is calling me back to taste some more wines, to eat a few more empanadas and to check out its tango. Yes, I need to return. I invite you to join me in my travels in Argentina and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. You may also visit my travel column at the Examiner.
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