Torrontes is a white wine grape variety from Argentina that includes three varieties. The most widely planted is Torrontés Riojano, which has been noted for creating superb wines. This variation is used mainly for Argentine wines with the name Torrontes. The Torrontés Sanjuanino variation generates large bundles of pale grapes, while the Torrontes Mendocino produces small bunches of grapes that are darker in color. A red wine grape variety called Torrontes is also available, but it goes under the name of Tarrantes and Turrundos. The grape variety produces nice and crisp wines that are acidic, aromatic and include a nice velvety texture. Torrontes wine includes fresh peach and apricot fruit flavors, and is ideal for early drinking. These wines tend to have quiet spice aromas and floral scents. The quality and taste of the wine depends on the winemaking process and the outcome is mainly due to the skill of the maker. The taste of Torrontes wines is said to be similar to Muscat, however, some wine experts assert that the taste also closely resembles Gewurztraminer. The wine should be consumed a year after it is created because the wine typically does not age well.
The "yaguarete" (jaguar) on the label was known by the ancient Andean people as the "lord of the starred night"; the wildest known animal.
Chakana is the name of the Southern Cross constellation. Its rotation in the sky throughout the year made it an effective agricultural calendar for the ancient Andean people.
Estate Torrontes is from Chakana's Gualtallary vineyard (5,300 ft elevation).
The wine shows the typical aromas of Torrontes (white flowers, lychee, peach) balanced by a refreshing acidity. Mineral texture due do the rocky soil of the vineyard. Elegant, dry and clean finish.
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. Aged 4 months. Pairs with crab cakes and seafood pasta.
Sylvestra Torrontes is made from 100 percent Torrontes.
Sylvestra wines show typicity, varietal power and careful elaboration from the Bressia family with the character, freshness and rebelliousness of the new generation. Fruity aromas, floral memories and authentic flavors - here is the expression of Sylvestra, with no oak, just fruit.
Greenish yellow color with good and brillant intensity. The delicate bouquet reveals white peach, white flower blossom and roses aromas. Well-balanced, elegant, fresh and fruity on the palate, this Torrontes is full-flavored, unctuous and persistent in the mouth.
Ideal with white meats, cheese, salads, appetizers, seafood, fish.
Patricia Raquin Santenay 1er Cru Beaurepaire is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The animals shown on the label are dogs. The breed is called Borzoi, also called "Russian Wolfhound", which means "fast" in Russian. Patricia and Alain are proud owners of 2 Borzois and they designed this label so that the dogs will be guardian of the vaulted ageing cellar inside their house.
The Santenay Santenay is coming from the Premier Cru called Beaurepaire.
The wine is showing a great pale yellow color with gold highlights. The nose is very delicate displaying aromas of white blossoms with just a hint of oak. In the mouth, the wine is very soft with a great deal of minerality, superb length and a tangy finish.
Bernardins Muscat Beaumes Venise VDN 100% Muscat petits grains (75% Blanc, 25% Red)
Copper/rose hue and ripe soft aromas of orange, spice and flowers. The wine is full bodied with the texture of silk and flavors of orange custard, white peach, pear, apricot, toffee and orange peel.
The vineyards and their terroir are the essence of our wines. This is where everything starts and where we focus our efforts throughout the year. You can’t make great wine without great grapes.
The viticulture is essentially done by hand. Five people work full-time in the vineyards. They are supplemented by seasonal employees who work during bunch thinning and the harvest in order to bring out the very best in our vines. Working by hand and the attention each vine gets are fundamental. Pruning, de-budding, trellising, leaf removal and picking are thus carried out by hand with the utmost care.
We prepare the soil by using good old-fashioned ploughing. Organic compost is made from grape marc (the discarded stalks and skins).
As a way of protecting the plants, we only use phytosanitary products when necessary and within strict guidelines by staggering the treatments appropriately, to minimise the amount of chemicals used. We prefer to use as much as possible manual and organic techniques . Leaving natural grass cover, removing buds and leaves from the vines, preserving biodiversity around the vineyard: olive, almond and cypress trees, wild rosemary and capers.
In the spirit of respecting traditional techniques and the best elements of modern technology, cellar manager Andrew Hall and his winemaker son Romain Hall take family traditions very seriously.
When making our wines, the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise plays a central role and requires great care. After picking the grapes by hand, we press them straightaway to ferment the juice without skins. We don’t add any yeasts and keep the alcoholic fermentation in check by temperature control. Vin Doux Naturel winemaking involves stopping fermentation to preserve the grapes’ natural sweetness. During vinification, we watch the vats day and night and add the fortifying spirit just at the right moment. At this stage, the wine’s final balance is at stake. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months before bottling.
Review:
"Butterscotch and apricot jam aromas. A lighter vintage of this cuvée, but very fresh and drinkable, and the best Muscat of the vintage by far. 110g/L residual sugar. In conversion to organic. - Matt WALLS"
- Decanter (November 2024), 91 pts