Aficionados of Argentine wine will soon be seeing green with the release of the CUMA organic wine brand from Michel Torino. The renowned winery, located in the ecologically focused Cafayate Valley of northern Argentina, will formally launch three CUMA varietals in October. A pioneer of organic viticulture, Michel Torino is committed to a pure and clean environment – as well as to making great organic wine.

Beginning with the 2007 vintage, the line will include Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontes.
CUMA means “clean and pure” in the language of the Aymara, who occupied the lofty elevations of northern Argentina prior to the Inca and have long since migrated throughout South America’s Altiplano (high plains). The CUMA name also expresses Michel Torino’s commitment to preserving the environment of the Cafayate Valley in the province of Salta. The viticulture and the winemaking process of CUMA follow strict and certified organic guidelines, while the spirit of CUMA reveals the winery’s commitment leaving a better world for future generations.
 
A leading organic brand in Argentina, CUMA is currently sold in fifteen countries on four continents around the world. Come October, American oenophiles can look forward to:
 
CUMA Malbec: Crimson evolving to black in the glass, with distinct aromas of fresh plum and spicy notes of rosemary and eucalyptus. Exuberant blueberry on the palate, with mint and spicy character of tarragon and rosemary. ($12.99)
 
CUMA Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep ruby with vivid purple sparkles. Blackcurrant aromas, paprika and raw leather and wildflowers. Lots of cassis and firm leather in a rustic style, and a meaty center-palate, with black olives and pepper at the finish. ($12.99)
 
CUMA Torrontes: Bright green-yellow with pale tones and gold sparkle. Floral scents, roses, jasmines and orange skins on the nose. Peach flavors with fresh, floral notes on the palate, and a bitter lemon finish with easy-going acidity. ($12.99)
 
For more information on CUMA wines of Michel Torino, contact Frederick Wildman and Sons, at 1-800-REDWINE or visit www.frederickwildman.com; or www.micheltorino.com.ar.
 
Known locally as Bodega El Esteco, Michel Torino has long capitalized on the exotic location, lofty altitude, benign climate, impressive soil and parsimonious planting area of the Cafayate Valley in Argentina to create world-class wines that are a step ahead of the competition. The winery won its first honors in 1929 in Seville, Spain, and today employs the most advanced techniques throughout more than 1,700 acres, including “zero-farming” on two vineyards that were recently certified organic. The Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa, a luxury Starwood property located onsite at the Michel Torino vineyards, uses wine-based products in all spa treatments. Michel Torino is imported exclusively by Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York.