Wine Savvy on November 25, 2013 0 Comments There are many white wines out there which go under-appreciated. I am not sure why this is, but from a market standpoint they also seem to be underrated. Well, I would like to make a few converts. I believe that the 2012 Torrontes of San Pedro de Yacochuya could make that happen. I hold a special place in my heart for Argentina and more so for the region of Salta, from which this lovely wine was born. Salta is one of the major wine regions of Argentina rarely spoken of. The Province of Salta is located in the very top northwest corner of Argentina and shares the border with Bolivia. This is the location of some of the highest vineyards of the world, ranging from 1,152–2000+ meters (3,780–6,500 ft) above sea level. The Torrentes vineyards of San Pedro de Yacochuya sit around 1,800 meters to 2,035 meters. The high proximity of the vineyards has a few advantages. The soils tucked away high in the Cafayate Valley at the foot of the Andes are rocky, clay soils, full of mica and silica. The minerals found in this region offer unique characteristics to the wines and the rocky soils allow for good drainage. Winds which come into the valley in the afternoon keep the vineyards healthy and free of many a pest and dry from any unwanted rainfall which can cause mold problems. The close proximity of the sun has allowed the grapes of the Cafayate Valley to adapt and mutate into stronger versions of themselves. The Torrontes grape in particular has formed thicker skins which works as a preventative measure, guarding them against burning. During the early spring and into the summer the vines are subject to heat ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F). Though the Cafayate Valley is located far north with a close proximity to the equator, the higher altitudes and micro-climate of the valley are the main factors which keep temperatures within a steady range. The terroir and microclimate conditions during the day, paired with low, high desert temperatures dropping to 8-15°C (45-59°F) result in fruit with ideal balances of sugar and acidity. This wide temperature range also allows for the maturation of complex aroma and flafor compounds. History San Pedro de Yacochuya is a label of Bodega Etchart, one of the pioneering families in the wine business of Salta, Argentina. Their humble begins started in 1850 of Flavio Lema Niño who took note in the special soils of the Cafayate Valley. Arnaldo Benito Etchart bought the vineyards and bodega, originally called La Florida at the beginning of the twentieth century and change the brand to “Etchart”. By 1988 they teamed up with Michel Rolland, one of the world’s best and well-known enologists and winemaking consultants. Immediately following this partnership, San Pedro de Yacochuya skyrocketed to world prestige. In 1996 it was sold to the Pernod Ricard group, but the year before was changed to San Pedro de Yacochuya and the name stuck. The quality and quality wine making continues on to this day, as does their prestige. You should see for yourself. The 2012 San Pedro de Yacochuya 100% Torrentes is made from grapes sourced from their high altitude vineyards, keeping their namesake of Yacochuya and from another small valley of Cafayate, Calchaquies. These vineyards are fifty years of age. Following harvest, the grape bunches are sent to a pneumatic press and gently pressed for up to four hours. Flavor, Aroma & Appearance The resulting wine is of a gorgeous golden yellow so brilliant it almost seems to reflect silver hues. I am sure if they could bottle the aromas on the nose as perfume it would be just as successful as the wine. It is beautifully inviting of orange blossom and other spring white flowers, tangerine, green pineapple with hints of minerality and warm spices. On the palate it is at first perception, slightly sweet, but then the balanced acidity moves in and washes over your palate to display refreshing citrus juices and finish slightly dry and crisp with a lingering aromas of the orange blossom. Pair this wine with the best recipe of traditional empanadas from Salta or along with your favorite spicy Thai cuisine. And just a thought, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Show up to a Thanksgiving dinner party with a bottle of this in hand or share at your own dinner. It is guaranteed to impress! More Wine Reviews: REVIEW: 2010 Chardonnay-Viognier from Spann Vineyards REVIEW: 2009 Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon from Viña Cobos REVIEW: 2009 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon
