Cereza is a pink grape thought to have arrived in Argentina some four-hundred years ago. The wine commonly is white to pink in colour, low in acidity, and with very low aroma levels.
Characteristics
Cereza produces high yields unless
you submit it to green harvest, meaning that if you want to produce a
quality wine, this becomes a necessity. This has, however, historically
not been the case among Argentinian wine growers, and the wines
therefore tend to be quite anonymous.
Wines
The varietal Cereza wines you will find are most likely to be of a basic kind made for early consumption.
Food pairing
As a basic table wine, it can be paired with sea food dishes and salads. Serve the wine at 8-10°C/46-50°F.
Where is it grown?
Cereza is the second most planted grape in Argentina, beaten only by Cot (Malbec). It is planted on 29.189 ha/72,128 ac, and can be found in all regions. The focus is in the western regions San Juan and Mendoza.
History
Cereza is a cross between Listán Prieto (also known as Mission) and Muscat of Alexandria. It is thought to have come to Argentina with the missionaries arriving in the seventeenth century.