Most people think of wine in Argentina and conjure up images of rich, tasty Malbecs from the Mendoza region, which are often accompanied by a juicy steak (mmm). However, whereas these are of course delicious, it should be taken into consideration that other parts of Argentina produce some incredible wines, such as Torrontés, the famous white wine in Salta.

[caption id="attachment_7042" align="aligncenter" width="540"]The stunning province of Salta The stunning province of Salta / source[/caption]

Torrontés: Salta's Famous White Wine

Torrontés is produced in the town of Cafayate, home to the highest vineyards in the world, which tower above those in the Valais in Switzerland - the highest in Europe - at 5,600 feet. It is a fresh, aromatic wine with a smooth texture and a very distinct flavour that is almost incomparable with any other. The grape that it's made from, also named Torrontés, is Argentina's signature white wine grape and does not grow anywhere else in the world, making it all the more special and unique.

The Torrontés grape has an interesting history too, for it combines old and new; the ancient Muscat of Alexandria and an Argentine variety of the Mission grape from Spain, known as Criolla Chica. This mutation resulted in something which is totally exclusive to Argentina.

[caption id="attachment_7044" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Torrontés: The most famous white wine in Salta Torrontés: The most famous white wine in Salta / source[/caption]

Finca Las Nubes: Wine Tasting in the Clouds

Argentinian José Luis Mounier, who is known in Salta as the “Maestro of Torrontés”, produces this delicious wine at his small family-run vineyard named Finca Las Nubes (farm of the clouds). Situated high up in the mountains with a view over the whole of Cafayate the stunning scenery alone make this a highly worthwhile visit. However, there are many more reasons for visiting Finca Las Nubes, which is named this way as it is literally high enough to be in the clouds. It is the pureness of the air and water at this high altitude that gives these wines their unique flavour and fragrance. Moreover, José Luis farms his wines manually and avoids using any machines, herbicides or inorganic fertilizers, meaning that all the wines are organic.

[caption id="attachment_7045" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Head to Finca Las Nubes to try their 'wines of altitude' Head to Finca Las Nubes to try their 'wines of altitude' / source[/caption]

Other wines in Salta

Of course Torrontés is not the only wine in Salta, for its impressively high mountains serve as both climate protection and irrigation, meaning that grapes grown here can reach the perfect level of ripeness without becoming too alcoholic. The wines that are produced are consequently known as ‘wines of altitude’, which include Tannat, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Torrontés.

If you’re visiting this Northern Province in Argentina, make sure you don’t miss out on a trip to Finca Las Nubes, or one of the many other wineries, for the wine in Salta is not only unique and delicious, but very reasonably priced too!

[caption id="attachment_7046" align="aligncenter" width="540"]A selection of different wines produced in Salta A selection of different wines produced in Salta / source[/caption]

For more information on the wine in Salta, check out our picks for the top 4 Salta wineries or visit our website to book tours and activities in Salta.

Written By: Milly Day