Bodegas Y Vinedos O. Fournier Urban Uco Torrontes 2011
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Parker
Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Urban Uco Torrontes comes from a vineyard in Cafayate, but is vinified at the winery in Uco Valley and it is fermented in stainless steel over ten days. It has a very well-defined pineapple, grapefruit and white peach-scented bouquet with hints of passion fruit developing with aeration. The palate is very well-balanced with an understated, entry of dried apricot and a touch of dried ginger. It is very harmonious, understated with great purity towards the finish. Excellent.
In 2007, after a three-year search for the best vineyards and terroirs in Chile, the O. Fournier Group commenced its winemaking practices. In Chile, O. Fournier has selected the most exciting areas to develop vineyards and produce wines. The group has acquired properties in Lo Abarca (San Antonio Valley) and Loncomilla (Maule Valley).
Unapologetically fun and distinctively fragrant, Torrontés is regarded as the signature white grape of Argentina. In many ways it bears a striking resemblance to Muscat (and in fact is an offspring of Muscat of Alexandria). Sommelier Secret—If you’re in search of a new summer sipper, look no further than Torrontés. These wines are always inexpensive, delightfully refreshing and are best enjoyed in the sunny outdoors at a picnic, poolside or on the porch.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.