Recuerdo Torrontes 2011
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The vines for the sophomore 2011 Recuerdo Torrontes is sourced from La Rioja from vines planted in 2007 and 2008. It has a very attractive bouquet that is well-defined, akin to a well-defined Viognier. There are notes of nectarine, orange-blossom and pear pith. The palate is crisp on the entry with a tang of fresh ginger that dovetails into notes of dried apricot, honeysuckle, passion fruit and dried herbs. This is a superb Torrontes, surfeit with vigor and personality. Drink now.
Other Vintages
2013-
James
Suckling
The story begins in Mendoza, Argentina, in a rock-strewn vineyard encircled by majestic weeping willow trees. With a perfect view of the Andes Mountains, we frequently gather here to delight in a mid-day or evening asado. After a long meal in the vineyard, accompanied by plenty of wine (and good conversation, of course), we started to discuss a "Northern Hemisphere (38° North) meets Southern Hemisphere (32° South)" winemaking partnership. After a visit to The Vines of Mendoza by Paul Leary, a Private Vineyard Estate Owner (PVE) and principal at Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, Recuerdo Wines was born.
Recuerdo means "memory" or "memento" in Spanish. As such, the Recuerdo winemaking team of Santiago Achaval and Pablo Martorell passionately believes that each bottle of Recuerdo should not only represent Argentina's native terroir but also serve as a memory of each and every harvest.
Enthusiasts can find Recuerdo Wines at specialty wine shops, enjoy them at modern fine dining establishments, and taste them at Ma(i)sonry: the leading art, design and wine gallery in the Napa Valley.
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.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.