#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.