Torrontés is a high altitude wine that requires generous sunshine, and very particular kinds of soil and climate: hence its exclusivity and limited production. It is original from the Calchaquí Valleys in the mountains of northern Argentina— more precisely in Cafayate—at about 5,600 feet above sea level. This wine pairs well with the typical Andean gastronomy and highlights the delicate flavors and intoxicating aromas of fresh seafood as well as spicy Asian and Mexican dishes.The wineries of the Calchaquí Valleys have organized an exciting Wine Trail to visit the sites and taste the diverse varieties of Torrontés from old family recipes. One of our favorites was Torrontés Tardío, made from ultra-ripe Torrontés grapes harvested in late April. The high concentration of sugars produces an elegant sweet wine with an excellent balance of flavors, sugar, and acidity.
La Ruta del Vino (Wine Trail) in Salta takes us through family owned cellars set in charming Spanish colonial buildings. Some offer accommodations in small boutique hotels. If you are a wine connoisseur, even an aficionado, it makes sense to spend a couple of days and explore the secrets of the Torrontés, the region, and its people. The Wine Trail also provides visits to small farms located beyond the Calchaquíes Valleys, which have limited productions of some of the best wines in the area. ■Related Articles:Moldova, the new wine mecca of Europe
