TN: 2019 Catena La Marchigiana Criolla

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Criolla is made from grapes that came from Iberia although it is often called Torontes in Argentina and Mission in California. I bought it as a curiosity as I like the Catena wines and wondered what they might do with this varietal.

Interesting colour - a deep red quite far from pink, with an orange tint to it. Nose of strawberries and hints of citrus rind. Surprisingly decent - Suckling gave it a 93! I served it at cellar temp (13 C.) which I think was appropriate. Nice summer sipper.

[Jenise]

Also Listan Prieto in the Canary Islands and Pais in Chile. Haven't heard it called Torontes before--at first I presumed you were talking about a white wine.

Can be a very interesting grape. Was at a wine bar in San Francisco once where one of the flites offered was Mission/Pais/Listan Prieto, which I ordered. The bar's owner came out of the back room to see who ordered it, as only a geek would have. Interesting comparison--honestly wouldn't have pegged them all as the same grape.

Yes - if it were called Mission I'd just pass it by assuming it was some lame California survivor, but Criolla makes you stop and pay attention. Made in amphora - could just be a come on. No sulfur used? Ok, maybe something here.

Look up reviews before buying? Might be serious. Had to buy a sixpack, but have already gone through two (will be sure to open one with you).

Critical Acclaim
JS93 James Suckling
This is so fun and delicious with bright, crunchy acidity (some volatility) and lemon-rind and strawberry-skin flavor. It’s very light-bodied, resembling a dark-colored rosé. Made in amphora, from one of the Spanish missionary grapes, using no sulfur. Love to drink this slightly chilled.

[Jenise]

Suckling's description sounds like the California mission I had in that flite; easily my favorite of the three. Part of Brad Harrington's brief sojourn into winemaking. The Chilean was sweet and oaky, and the Canarian (is that a word?) was good but less supple and inviting than the first. Would love to taste it!