And the winner is...
Etchart, Privado Torrontés, Salta, Argentina
2010 (13.8%)
Fresh, delicate, spicy nose that is pretty and
silky. Typical fruity Torrontés characters of pears,
elderflowers and guavas, a juicy texture and
steely-dry finish. Great aperitif!
UK: £5.99; MCW
It may carry a divisive reputation, yet, happily for its fans, Torrontés goes from strength to strength. As does Etchart: this may be a new year and a new vintage, but it’s the same name and cuvée etched on the Aromatic Trophy as in 2010. This Torrontés feels like those unusually sunny English summer days. It is veryexpressive but not explosive and strikes the perfect balance between freshness and brightness. Torrontés is to Cafayate what Sauvignon Blanc is to Marlborough in New Zealand; the only difference is that the former is indigenous to Argentina. In Cafayate, with its high-altitude sunny days and cool nights, Torrontés thrives, retaining the all-important acidity and giving, at its best, wines of great intensity and complexity. If this region is not better known, it is because it is so small. When it comes to Torrontés and Cafayate, though,Etchart is well versed. Its first vineyard was planted in 1863 and is still producing grapes. Quality has been to the fore since Arnaldo B Etchart bought the winery from a relative in 1938 and set out to become synonymous with the valley.
For more information, subscribe to Decanter magazine, and receive your Awards issue, here.
Written by
