2008 Tomero Torrontes Salta

Sadly, I have one word for this wine – ick.  Along with the overwhelming aroma of jasmine and lilies (that’s right, it smelled like a big Vegas bouquet), there was something totally off as well (which means it smelled like a big Vegas bouquet that was on its last leg).  That off aroma (and flavor) carried all the way through the finish, which was awful.  Again, ick.  I tried letting it air out a bit, but there was just no saving this one.  Bummer.

Ordinarily I would say that it may just be a matter of differences in taste, but I just don’t think that’s true here.  It could also be that I just got a bad bottle, but I’ve got to say that I don’t have much desire to try it again.

0.5 corks popped…

Cheers!

Laurel

Week 20: Argentinian Torrontes

This week we move away from some of the more common white wine grapes (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris) to one you aren’t likely to find outside Argentina – Torrontes.  Though the Torrontes grape (or a close relative) is thought to have been brought to Argentina centuries ago by Spanish missionaries, it is in the cool, windswept northwest region of Argentina that the grape has thrived. 

Torrontes wine, like the grape from which it is made, is quite unique.  Though it often has a relatively sweet aroma, Torrontes is generally dry to off-dry with peach and apricot notes that are (hopefully) nicely balanced out by a nice acidity and minerality.  J is convinced that he doesn’t care for Torrontes, and it’s true that he wasn’t a fan of the few we tried while we were in Argentina.  Let’s see how these three go over….

First, we have a 2008 Elsa Torrontes Mendoza, which is available at K&L Wine Merchants for just $7.99/bottle.

Next is a 2008 Tomero Torrontes Salta, again available at K&L, this time for $12.99/bottle.  This wine is sourced from grapes that are grown over a mile above sea level…. let’s see what effect that high altitude has!

Finally, we have a 2009 Dominio del Plata “Crios de Susana Balbo” Torrontes Mendoza, which is also available at K&L for $12.99/bottle.  This is the only wine this week that has been rated by the critics – Robert Parker gave it 90 points.

Cheers!

Laurel