Valentin Bianchi Elsa Bianchi Mendoza Torrontes

In 1928, Italian immigrant Valentin Bianchi bought a vineyard and small winery in Mendoza, Argentina. 

His sons later renamed the company Valentin Bianchi and today his grandsons manage the estate. Their vineyards – Asti, Las Paredes and Dona Elsa – comprise over 716 acres located in San Rafael, an area thought to have the best soil in the Mendoza region are planted with Italian, Californian and French rootstock. Las Paredes and Dona Elsa Vineyards are planted on sandy calcareous soil of alluvial origin and Asti Vineyard is planted on sandy loam and stones ‒ each one at elevations over 2,460 feet. The grapes are hand-picked, twice sorted and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. 

Winemaker Francisco Martinez has been with the winery since 1979. In 1996, Robert Pepi, of Napa, California was hired as a consultant to introduce contemporary techniques while maintaining the wines' traditional Argentine character.

The grapes were hand-picked, twice sorted and fermented for ten days in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit, spice, orange blossom and apple. Finishes clean and bright.

Pair with: Smoked salmon roll with fennel-basil crème and a mango-pineapple vinaigrette. This pairing works because of the wine’s freshness, great fruit intensity and totally dry finish. The wine finishes ripe and rich with the vinaigrette. Spicy dishes such as Asian food and empanada salteñas. This pairing works because Torrontés is very perfumed [balancing spice] with good acidity [which cuts through richness]. Foie Gras with fig purée. Torrontés’ perfume matches that of the figs and its crisp acidity helps the wine stand up to and balance the rich Foie Gras.