Torrontés Mendocino

Torrontés Mendocino is indigenous to Argentina and it was long confused with Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Riojano until they were distinguished by morphological descriptions and DNA profiling. It was proven that Torrontés Mendocino is a natural cross between Muscat of Alexandria (Moscatel in Argentia) and an unknown variety, making it a member of the group of varieties known as the Criollas.

Torrontés Mendocino is the least aromatic among the three Argentine Torrontés varieties. While Torrontés Riojano is renowned for its intense floral and fruity aromas, Torrontés Mendocino offers a more subtle profile, with light notes that may resemble Muscat.

This variety is primarily cultivated in Argentina's Mendoza and Río Negro provinces. However, its cultivation is limited compared to the more prominent Torrontés Riojano. There were around 666 ha planted in 2009.

DNA studies have revealed that Torrontés Riojano and Torrontés Sanjuanino are crosses between Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica, while Torrontés Mendocino is likely a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and another, yet unidentified, variety.