El Porvenir ‘Laborum’ Single Vineyard Torrontés 2022 Cafayate, Salta, Argentina 75cl

Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape, and nowhere expresses it better than the high, sunny vineyards of Salta’s Cafayate. Bodegas El Porvenir de Cafayate bottles this one as part of its single-vineyard Laborum range, giving the variety its own clear stage.

This is pure Torrontés grown at altitude, where strong mountain light drives the aromatics while cold nights keep the wine fresh and prevent it turning heavy. The single-vineyard sourcing lends focus and a sense of place, and the wine is made in a bright, unoaked style that puts perfume first.

The 2022 vintage delivered fragrant, well-balanced whites in the region, and this bottling shows the grape at its most expressive.

Expect a heady nose of jasmine, rose and orange blossom over citrus and stone fruit, then a palate that is crisp and dry rather than sweet, with a clean, refreshing finish. The contrast between the exotic aromatics and the dry palate is the charm of good Torrontés, and this one carries it off with real style. Serve it well chilled as an aperitif or with lighter food.

Rated 95 points, it shines with spiced and aromatic food, ceviche, fresh salads or simply on its own in the sun. If you have not tried a top Cafayate Torrontés, this is a fine place to start, and an easy wine to enjoy young while it is at its most fragrant. It also makes a refreshing partner to Thai and other South East Asian dishes, where its perfume and gentle weight stand up to spice and aromatics.