Cheers to Fairtrade wine! Torrontes wine from Argentina

Sometimes the most heated debates about the world and the crusades to save it start around a dinner table when people are enjoying their glass of wine and some cheese and crackers. We’ve picked the perfect Fairtrade tipple for an occasion like this. Eleni Sardi writes.

This Torrontes white wine comes from selected vineyards in La Rioja, Argentina. The Fairtrade cooperative La Riojana was founded in 1940 and it counts more than 600 members today, producing wine by means of the traditional techniques and the most advanced technology.

The farmers see their most important benefit as the fair trade price for the grapes, but there are also a number of social benefits, including insurance against storm and frost damage and access to free technical assistance and advice.

Best served young and well-chilled, this wine is subtly floral and wonderfully aromatic on the nose with hints of juicy fruit flavours. It has a natural crisp acidity, and the long finish is the perfect accompaniment to a fresh salad or creamy pasta dish. It also matches well with mildly spiced ethnic foods.

You can buy the wine on the Traidcraft website in cases of 6 or 12 bottles, for £42 and £78 respectively.