Today, we update our Argentina Wines Blog with our top Argentine white wines, Vinos Blancos. In earlier guides, we reviewed Argentine red wines, Malbec and white sparklers, espumantes.
Our next guide tackles Dulcies (desert wines) and Roses.
Argentine white wines had a poor reputation both amongst Argentine wine lovers and on the international wine market. We hear many people complain about the quality of Argentine white wines. We disagree.
We feel that whites must be much better than in the past. We also think that a local preference for red wines may have helped to create a great misconception about Argentine white whites, as there are some goodies and the complaints about Argentine whites are somewhat a ‘cliché’.
This is where we get into trouble and say that we have never had a ‘really good’ Sauvignon Blanc (until recently) in Argentina – maybe that is a key reason for people’s misconceptions. In addition, there is lots of Chardonnay and some Argentine Chardonnay would spoil a white wine sauce!
Wine lovers should investigate Argentine white wines and this guide sets our readers on a course of new discovery. We intend to list quite a few whites and suggest that you give the red wines a rest and take the Argentine white wine challenge – please let us know what you think.
Firstly, a fan of our Argentina Wines Blog asked us about native grapes and in particular Torrontes.
Basque settlers probably introduced Argentina’s Torrontes grape. Many claim it is a native Argentine grape. According to a recent news article, genetic testing indicates that Argentine Torrontes is a hybrid of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica.
Argentine Torrontes is very different from those produced elsewhere. The best Torrontes come from the northern alto-climate of Salta and in particular, Cafayate – intense daytime sun at altitude and cool high humid nights and low rainfall create intense and concentrated grape.
The wines are wonderfully dry with an intense nose of flowers and tropical fruits. In fact, mostly bone dry with a light to medium weight, with a good balance of acidity with a long lasting and satisfying finish. Good Torrontes is crisp, fresh and acidic to battle Sauvignon Blanc, but slightly bigger with floral flavors reminiscent of Muscat wines. This wine is great for most foods and a dream on a hot summer’s day. When serving snacks and not a meal, we choose this wine most often, as it is a crowd pleaser.
Our favorite Argentine white wines in order of preference (please note that you will not find some of these in supermarkets, should you wish to source fine Argentine wines just ask) alongside our wine rankings is a price guide. Price is relative; we think Argentine wines are great value for money.
$$$ Expensive Vino / $$ Moderately Expensive Vino / $ The Value Vino
- Angelica Zapata 2004 Chardonnay by Catena Zapata $$$
- Lindaflor 2007 Chardonnay by Monteviejo $$
- Alta Vista Premium 2007 Torrontes by Alta Vista $
- Pulenta Estate Chardonnay 2006 by Pulenta Estate $$
- Tomero 2007 Semillon Chardonnay by Bodega Vistalba $$
- Laborum 2007 Torrontes by El Provenir $
- Graffigna Centenario Reserva 2007 Pinot Grigio $
- Catalpa 2007 Chardonnay by Atamisque $$
- Trapiche Origen 2006 Torrontes by Trapiche $
- Terrazas Reserva 2007 Chardonnay by Terrazas de los Andes $$
- Andeluna Roble 2005 Chardonnay by Andeluna Cellars $$
- Lagrima Canela 2006 Chardonnay Semillon by Bressia $$$ (very good, not the value wine)
- Los Cardos 2008 Sauvignon Blanc by Dona Plaula (first Sauvignon Blanc to make it to our top 15) $
- Alta Vista Classic 2007 Torrontes by Alta Vista $
- Vinitrera 2007 Pinot Grigio by Vinittera $
Read our Argentina wines guides:
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