El Esteco Don David Reserve Torrontes 2018
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James
Suckling -
Wine &
Spirits
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Winemaker Notes
The Don David Torrontes has delicate floral and rose aromas, with orange peel and toasted bread notes. On the palate, elegant and fresh citrus, peach and anise flavors are shaped by bright acidity and a ripe character.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Plenty of apricot pie and sugarcoated apples and then some herbal undertones, such as fresh coriander, as well as white stones. Medium-bodied with sweet-and-sour character, thanks to the combination of fleshy stone fruit and bright acidity.
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Wine & Spirits
El Esteco, a winery founded in 1892 in Cafayate, makes this full-bodied, rich torrontés, presenting the variety’s typical floral notes nestled into peachy fruit. The texture is broad and fleshy, enhanced by the ten percent of the wine that went through malolactic fermentation and aged in American oak barrels. The fruit feels fresh, with a salinity that makes it mouthwatering.
Other Vintages
2022- Vinous
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James
Suckling
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
With over 1500 acres of vineyards, El Esteco is the most important winery in the CalchaquÍ Valley of Argentina. An inhospitable but magical place, at dizzying heights of 1700 meters (5600 feet), that breathes life into extraordinary wines. It is a winery that challenges preconceptions, believing in the opportunity to create wines that stand out from the norm.
It is a winery that seeks to surprise, to create distinct wines that highlight the unique characteristics of the CalchaquÍ Valley terroirs. The unique climate of this place manifests itself in the elegant profile of El Esteco’s wines, with colors, aromas and flavors accentuated by the sun and the altitude. These are wines with an indelible sense of place, wines which complement food rather than overpower, wines which are true to their origin.
Unapologetically fun and distinctively fragrant, Torrontés is regarded as the signature white grape of Argentina. In many ways it bears a striking resemblance to Muscat (and in fact is an offspring of Muscat of Alexandria). Sommelier Secret—If you’re in search of a new summer sipper, look no further than Torrontés. These wines are always inexpensive, delightfully refreshing and are best enjoyed in the sunny outdoors at a picnic, poolside or on the porch.
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.