#26 - Torrontes

Varietal: Torrontes
Wine: Torrontes
Label: Alamos
Region: Catena, Argentina
Year: 2008
Date Tasted: Feb. 2010

Notes: This wine brings an interesting example of smooth and subtle. A light bodied dry white, the Torrontes varietal is grown nearly exclusively in Argentina. This bottle is also a case where first impressions can fool you.

I noted light flower scents of heather and lilac, but with a starfruit undertone. The flavor seems to build as it sits in the mouth. On first sipping, my initial thought was that this was the blandest wine I had ever tasted. However, it has an odd mystery to it, where it seems to throw flavor, sparingly, as you savor it. I found myself going back for more to "try to figure it out." Paired to corvina (a relatively mild fish) with a light garlic basil sauce on couscous, this wine worked, but I would hesitate to use it outside of the lighter end of the seafood department or perhaps a very mild chicken dish.

In sum, while this is an intriguing wine and good for rounding out one's palate, I would not think it would work well at a dinner party where it is expected to perform on its own, rather than be admired for its own mystery. Find another aficionado or two to share with, though, and this wine will provide a worthy oenophilic experience.

2009 Cono Sur Viognier

Varietal: Viognier
Wine: Viognier
Label: Cono Sur
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Year: 2009
Date Tasted: Feb. 2010

Notes: This white was a real joy, start to finish. Having moderate body, I picked up hints of tangerine, apricot, and hibiscus. With a bright acidic flavor, and a dry palate that takes on a surprising hint of sweet on finish, this South American wine uses its recent vintage to advantage with sharp, clear tones. Though Viognier is often used in mixture with other varietals, this bottle channels its happiness well and was a perfect match to king crab with garlic butter sauce. Raise a glass!

Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence

Taking a break from our usual fare on this blog, we bring you the following from the hops-inspired direction:

We recently tried the Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence ale, made with "real chocolate from Belgium." The first and perhaps most important thing to notice about this beer is that the chocolate acts as a thickener, but not a sweetener. If your plans for this bottle included sharing (it comes in 25 oz. size) in any sort of romantic setting, you may want to indicate as much to your lady friend.

The beer is beautifully heavy and dark, with a mellow tone that makes you want to stroke your beard in contemplation. It leaves a tad of sediment in the bottle, which helps with the snobbish appeal. However, at over $10 a bottle, its marginal superiority over significantly less expensive beers such as Old Dominion Brewing's Oak Barrel Stout is not enough to justify its consumption except on the rarest occasions.