WTN: Torrontes QPR

Amaicha 2005 Torrontes, Mendoza Argentina I grabbed this and the same label Bonarda at Trader Joe's a couple of weeks ago for $5 each. I had it and a Pinot Noir as possibles for dinner tonight. I decided on the Torrontes after tasting the marinated ahi tuna when it came off the grill. It was a good choice.

Aromas of lychees, citrus and honeysuckle. Tastes somewhate like a cross between orange muscat and gewurztraminer, balanced with moderate acidity and a hint of mineral undertones. Bone-dry with a lingering citrusy finish. I'm going back for more.

Sounds intriguing. Wonder if my local TJs carries it?

Sounds intriguing. Wonder if my local TJs carries it?

Hey Doug, hows it going? Seeing more of this varietal over here in Alberta. Terrific value too!

Here's an earlier thread on Torrontes.

http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?t=1266&highlight=torrontes

Sounds intriguing. Wonder if my local TJs carries it?

Hey Doug, hows it going? Seeing more of this varietal over here in Alberta. Terrific value too!

Going good, Doris! I hope more Torrontes shows up here as well - it's good stuff.

Thanx for the heads-up.... I've loved this varietal when I can find it.. Let us know how the Bonarda is too....

Thanx for the heads-up.... I've loved this varietal when I can find it.. Let us know how the Bonarda is too....

My take on the Bonarda (2005):

Pleasant fresh plums and flowers waft from the glass. A bit simple, but not rustic, it tastes of red and black plums with an underpinning of black cherry. For $5, I'll probably buy a couple more.

For those that have liked Bonarda, I suggest you try to get your hands on some of the new Bonarda/Malbec blends that are being produced in Argentina. I find these grapes blend very well together, two examples of this are Mora Negra (made by Finca Las Moras), and Tikal Patriota (made by Ernesto Catena).

Not to start an international incident , but isn't Tikal Chilean?

Must make a plug here for the '06 Crios Torrontes. I've seen references to prices for earlier Crios Torrontes in the $10 - $12 range which, hard to believe, is on the high side for a Torrontes. This one was way over the top at $15, but it's also the best Torrontes I've ever had. The nose is fresh grapefruit and the taste is a cross between a mineraly Riesling and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Truly delicious.

Dan, that is really pricey!! Love these whites though.

Not to start an international incident , but isn't Tikal Chilean?

No, Tikal wines belong to the Catena Group, which as you all know is very much Argentine.

Must make a plug here for the '06 Crios Torrontes. I've seen references to prices for earlier Crios Torrontes in the $10 - $12 range which, hard to believe, is on the high side for a Torrontes. This one was way over the top at $15, but it's also the best Torrontes I've ever had. The nose is fresh grapefruit and the taste is a cross between a mineraly Riesling and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Truly delicious.

Yes, Susana Balbo is taking a page from the Paul Hobbs book and has been recently increasing prices.... I dont know where this strategy is going to take things, and then again, I understand that the US importers and distributors have a huge say in pricing for Argentine labels so perhaps its not Susana's fault. In any event, she does make a great Torrontes, although I prefer the San Pedro de Yacochuya myself.

Must make a plug here for the '06 Crios Torrontes. I've seen references to prices for earlier Crios Torrontes in the $10 - $12 range which, hard to believe, is on the high side for a Torrontes. This one was way over the top at $15, but it's also the best Torrontes I've ever had. The nose is fresh grapefruit and the taste is a cross between a mineraly Riesling and a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Truly delicious.

That sounds like a lot of wine for $15. Why is it 'way over the top?'

I love Torrontes, it reminds me of dry yellow Muscat from the Alto Adige, which I also love and drink frequently.

That sounds like a lot of wine for $15. Why is it 'way over the top?'

It is a lot of wine for the money Oliver, but in terms of the going price for pretty good Torrontes at least until recently it's pretty high.
Dan