Opening a bottle of Torrontés Colección de los Andes by Bodega Norton is a sensory experience that immediately transports us to the breathtaking landscapes of the most authentic Argentina. More than simply a refreshing white wine, it is the winemaking flagbearer of an entire country, as Torrontés is Argentina’s only native white grape variety. The story of Bodega Norton, founded in 1895 by engineer Edmund James Palmer Norton, intertwines here with a modern production philosophy that has elevated this once underestimated variety into a small jewel of elegance and aromatic intensity, now also certified Vegan. We are in Barrancas, in the southern part of Maipú, Mendoza. This district is renowned as one of the warmest areas of the region, yet the secret of Norton’s Torrontés lies in the altitude and the soil composition. Here the soil is predominantly stony and of alluvial origin, a characteristic that ensures perfect drainage and forces the vines to concentrate all their energy into the grapes. Made from 100% Torrontés, the grapes are handled with extreme care in order to preserve the precious terpenes — the molecules responsible for the wine’s explosive aromas. Harvesting takes place at the precise moment when acidity is still vibrant, avoiding over-ripeness that would make the wine too heavy. In the winery, the key word is “stainless steel”: temperature-controlled fermentation followed by maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves the purity and fragrance of the fruit without any interference from oak. In the glass, it appears pale straw yellow with brilliant greenish reflections. On the nose, notes of rose petals and white orange blossom quickly make way for more exotic hints of lychee, lime zest and white peach. On the palate, the sip is light, agile and marked by almost citrus-like freshness that cleanses the palate and instantly invites another sip. Ideal for those seeking a wine that is immediate and approachable, yet never ordinary.