Tomero Torrontes 2010
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Tomero wines are traditional Argentine varietals with classic varietal character that is always true to the terroir. Most Tomero wines are sourced from high-elevation vineyards in Valle de Uco, a sub-appellation of Mendoza nestled against the base of the Andes.
The Valle de Uco is located 130km southeast from the city of Mendoza. Antonio Pulenta came upon these lands more than 40 years ago and began the planting of vineyards in what today is known as Finca los Alamos. It is a vineyard of inestimable value due to its location, age and the grape quality. It is comprised of 400 hectares of trellised vines with bilateral spurred cordon, that produce varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier, and originate the Tomero Wines.
The Tomero became a part of the vineyard scenario in 1833 and his presence continues to this day. His job is the distribution of irrigation water in those vineyards or crop fields which, by law, are entitled to use the river water. The Tomero is hired by the landowners, and his duty is to open and close the “Tome de Agua” (Water Intake Channel) of each estate. Today, the Tomero is the symbol of an irrigation system developed more than 100 years ago, that has enabled the development of vine-growing regions in Mendoza.
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.