Cafayate, Salta.- The ever-increasing quality of Argentine white wines was on display at the recent Small Producers Fair held in Cafayate on Thursday, October 31st. The Wine and Vine Museum was the venue where small producers from the Calchaquí Valleys (Salta, Catamarca, Tucumán) gathered to offer their wines for tasting.
While a significant proportion of the labels were represented by Torrontés, there were also attractive examples of other varieties. And perhaps most interesting was the appreciation of the advancement in white blends. This fair also made it clear that the potential of the Calchaquí Valleys can be seen not only in the wines of large wineries but also that small producers have much to tell.
Here, we take a tour of some labels that caught my attention for their quality, gastronomic potential, and drinkability. I add to the wines tasted at the fair other labels from producers that I had the chance to taste these days during the events and visits organized by the Consejo de Profesionales Vitivinícolas del NOA (Coprovi).
Piloto de Prueba Blanco Calchaquí 2023
A blend of Ugni Blanc and Torrontés made with grapes from Salta and Catamarca, this white blend is pure complexity and delicacy. It combines citrus, tropical fruit, and floral aromas in a highly gastronomic white wine. Good volume in the mouth and a slight sweet floral hint complete the experience of this white wine, which bears the signature of winemaker Daniel Guillén.
Segundas Nupcias Torrontés 2023
This Torrontés produced by the winery Nueve Cumbres in Cachi (Salta) is enjoyed for the typicality of this variety, in a direct white wine, with a smooth yet refreshing mouthfeel, dominated by citrus. And with an admirable low alcohol content (11.7%).
Inimaginable Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The family project of Claudio Maza shines with this high-altitude Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Animaná (Salta), at 1700 meters above sea level. Austere in aromas (with delicate notes of rue, grapefruit, and white fruit), it stands out in the mouth with a mineral profile. Its texture results from a six-month rest on lees and is complemented by a juicy acidity that invites continued drinking.
Mayuco Torrontés 2024
This white wine, crafted by Raúl “Yeye” Dávalos at the Valle Arriba winery, boasts an impeccable price-quality ratio (just over 10,000 pesos argentinos). Easy to drink and highly typical, this Torrontés can be described as highly gastronomic, with a fragrant aroma.
Sunal Exploración Criolla Blanca 2022
Agustín Lanús produces this original white wine made with grapes from Luracatao (Salta), grown at 2700 meters above sea level. From a selection of Criolla Blanca vines, he obtains this wine that surprises with a natural bubble, very gentle, but even more so with its unique aroma ranging from rosemary to pineapple, with delicious herbal notes. The combination is completed with plenty of freshness.
Altupalka Sauvignon Blanc Extremo 2022
The unmistakable aroma (peas, asparagus) of this Sauvignon Blanc, grown at 2590 meters above sea level in Molinos (Salta), is just the beginning. Its enormous freshness, with its juicy and sharp acidity, forms the backbone of this white wine capable of functioning like a red, pairing with everything from sweetbreads to river fish.
Francisco Puga y Familia Corte de Blancas 2023
With grapes from old Torrontés (70%), Chenin (20%), and Sauvignon Blanc (10%) vines in Tolombón (Salta), Paco Puga creates this modern and elegant white blend from the Calchaquí Valley. Its delicate nose has everything: citrus notes, white flowers, and some peaches. But it is the balance between the tension provided by the acidity and a mineral body that enchants. Body and freshness in a blend that promises much evolution ahead.
Ponzoñosos Todos Torrontés 2024
Another modern Torrontés, from Solo Los Locos Winery in Tolombón (Salta), which favors the mouth over the nose. Aging for six months on lees in polymer eggs results in a slightly enveloping body, while the flavors lean towards fruit (white peach), complemented by delicate floral notes.
Tozudo Microterroir Ancestros Parcela N°2 Torrontés 2022
Continuing with Torrontés, in this case from La Finca de los Viñedos Imposibles, located in the Pucará Valley (Salta), at an altitude of 2440 meters above sea level. The nose of this white wine highlights the floral side of Torrontés (jasmines), while in the mouth it is all juiciness. Easy to drink, it is ideal by the glass, as an aperitif.
Aleja Blend Blanco 2023
We close with a wine that has yet to hit the streets, but shows promise. It bears the signature of Álvaro Dávalos, for his winery Vizcacha Wines. Originally made for the family, it is a blend of white grapes with a Chardonnay base (plus Torrontés, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc), very elegant and complex. The aromas have a bit of everything, but stone fruit prevails in this enveloping white wine, with great freshness and a long finish.
