WTN: 2006 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés Valle de Cafayate Argentina.

2006 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés Valle de Cafayate Argentina. $12.00, Super Cellars, Passaic. 13.5% alcohol. http://www.dominiodelplata.com.ar/vinos ... p?vino=044

Pale yellow color, clear hue, intense citrus and floral aromas and tastes, crisp, intense acidity, medium mouth feel, medium finish with lots of notes, refreshing and seductive. Not for the faint of heart, but delicious. 4*.

Susana Balbo, Winemaker: "Torrontes is Argentina's uniquely aromatic grape variety and it shows its fines expression in the northern provincew of Salta where 5000 foot elevation, dry weather, intense sun, cool nights and sandy soils bring out its true nature. It combines an intensely floral, citrusy aroma similar to Viognier with the dry, crisp taste of Sauvignon Blanc. And no oak, just a lot of motherly attention."

Also: "Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed. Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood. Great partner for spicy food and Thai as well."

Torrontés = tore-ahn-TEZ.

http://www.torrontes.com/

Regards, Bob

This is one of the benchmark "textbook" Torrontes' of Argentina. The other is the San Pedro de Yacochuya.

Thanks.

I wonder if the San Pedro de Yacochuya is imported to the State. I found only a pricey Merlot 1999 from this maker.

Regards, Bob

As far as I know, the Torrontes is not exported to the USA, but I know that San Pedro is changing importers in the States so this may change. Also, they produce very little of this wine so the US market may pose a challenge.

Merlot from this producer...? Are you sure? This bodega does not make a Merlot.... they only make a pure Malbec (the Yacochuya Rolland) and a Malbec heavy blend that contains Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cheers,
Alejandro

Oops, sorry, Malbec.

1999 BODEGA SAN PEDRO DE YACOCHUYA MALBEC CAFAYETE $76US.

Grand Cru in Buenos Aires shows the same wine for $350US. I've always wanted to see Buenos Aires -- maybe I should bring in a case and pay for the trip.



Regards, Bob

I love a well-made Torrontes, it reminds me of dry Muscat from the Alto Adige, which I also love. Nothing gets my mouth watering like bone-dry, very aromatic white wine.

Oops, sorry, Malbec.

1999 BODEGA SAN PEDRO DE YACOCHUYA MALBEC CAFAYETE $76US.

Grand Cru in Buenos Aires shows the same wine for $350US. I've always wanted to see Buenos Aires -- maybe I should bring in a case and pay for the trip.



Regards, Bob

Bob... watch out, because the devil is in the details. There are two reds made by this estate, one of the San Pedro de Yacochuya and the other is the Yacochuya Rolland. Regardless, even though the San Pedro is the second wine of this estate its older vintages are very hard to find so prices here in Argentina can be astronomical.

Of course I would need a local agent to steer me right, Alejandro!

I'll contact you privately before assembling a portfolio.

Thanks for the warning. Bob

I too was fortunate to taste this Crios Torrontes yesterday, very nice wine for $17 Cdn.

[Jenise]

A general question: isn't Torrontes the same grape known elsewhere as Malvasia Blanca?

A general question: isn't Torrontes the same grape known elsewhere as Malvasia Blanca?

Yes... there is some recent DNA related research that seems to point in this direction.