Crios Torrontes

Crios Torrontés is a 100% Torrontés white wine from Argentina bottled at approximately 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 92 points by James Suckling, this aromatic expression from Susana Balbo Wines draws fruit from two of Argentina's most respected high-altitude growing regions — Cafayate in Salta and Paraje Altamira in the Valle de Uco.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Salta & Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Torrontés  |  Producer: Susana Balbo Wines

Production & Heritage

Susana Balbo, Argentina's first female enologist, founded her eponymous winery in Mendoza. The Crios line — meaning "offspring" — represents her commitment to showcasing Argentina's signature varietals with freshness and purity. The Torrontés is cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks with minimal intervention, a deliberate approach to preserve the grape's intensely aromatic character. What distinguishes this bottling is its dual-origin sourcing: juice from Cafayate in Salta and Paraje Altamira in the Valle de Uco is fermented separately in each respective region, then blended at Balbo's winery in Mendoza. This technique captures the floral intensity of high-altitude Salta fruit alongside the mineral precision and acidity of Valle de Uco.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced jasmine and white blossom perfume, followed by layers of lychee, passion fruit, and ripe peach. A thread of lemongrass and subtle lime zest adds brightness and complexity to the bouquet.

Taste: The palate entry is crisp and immediate, with pristine pear and white citrus fruit leading into a mid-palate that turns slightly mineral and chalky. Pineapple and apricot notes emerge as the wine opens, balanced by lively acidity that keeps the fruit focused and dry rather than sweet. A hint of creaminess rounds out the texture without weighing it down.

Finish: Medium in length with a dry, floral close. Lingering traces of stone fruit and a faint chalky minerality carry through cleanly.

How to Drink Crios Torrontés

Serve well chilled, between 8–10°C (46–50°F), to let the aromatics lift without muting the wine's acidity and structure. This Torrontés also performs well as a base for aromatic wine cocktails. A White Sangria benefits from the wine's tropical and floral notes, adding natural complexity with minimal added fruit. In a Spritz format with soda and a slice of grapefruit, the wine's bright acidity holds up against dilution. It also works in an Argentine-style Hugo Spritz, where its inherent elderflower-like character replaces the need for heavy syrup.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Argentine white wines beyond Malbec
• Warm-weather patio drinking with a group
• Pairing with spiced or aromatic cuisines like Thai or Indian
• A host gift that stands out from standard Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crios Torrontés taste like? Crios Torrontés is intensely aromatic with jasmine, lychee, and passion fruit on the nose, followed by crisp white fruit, pear, and a dry, mineral-edged palate with bright acidity.

How does Crios Torrontés compare to a dry Riesling? Both share high acidity and aromatic intensity, but Crios Torrontés leans more heavily into tropical fruit and white floral perfume, while dry Riesling typically emphasizes citrus, petrol, and slate minerality.

Is Crios Torrontés good for sipping on its own? Yes — its bright acidity, floral aromatics, and dry finish make it a rewarding stand-alone sipper, especially served well chilled in warm weather.

Where is Crios Torrontés made? Crios Torrontés is produced by Susana Balbo Wines in Mendoza, Argentina, using Torrontés grapes sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Cafayate (Salta) and Paraje Altamira in the Valle de Uco (Mendoza).

What foods pair well with Crios Torrontés? Thai green curry works well, as the wine's aromatics echo lemongrass and its acidity cuts through coconut richness. Fresh ceviche mirrors the wine's citrus brightness. Goat cheese salads complement the floral notes. Sushi and sashimi pair naturally with its clean acidity. Spiced empanadas find balance against the wine's fruit and freshness.

What sizes does Crios Torrontés come in? Crios Torrontés is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Crios Torrontés worth the price? Crios Torrontés positions as an accessible, entry-level Argentine white that consistently punches above its price tier, earning 92 points from James Suckling and 91 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Decanter — scores rarely seen at this value level.

Why Crios Torrontés?

The dual-region sourcing is the defining detail here. By blending Cafayate's explosive floral aromatics with Valle de Uco's mineral backbone and acidity, Susana Balbo achieves a Torrontés with more dimension and food-friendliness than most single-origin examples. Critical recognition backs this up: 92 points from James Suckling, 91 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 from Decanter, and a Sakura Awards Gold medal. For a grape that remains underexplored outside Argentina, Crios Torrontés stands as one of the most accessible and well-made introductions to the varietal available today.