How can a wine so young earn a grade so high? The secret is in the grape.
Greetings from Argentina! (Well, actually, you will think you’re in Argentina, maybe.) Country known for its red – and specifically its Malbec – gives you this white that it SHOULD be better known for.
(While we’re at it, let’s talk about how Malbec seemingly came out of nowhere. In fact, you can talk about a few other reds that aren’t household names – Tempranillo, Montepulciano, even Cabernet Franc – and get raised eyebrows these days – but EVERYONE knows Malbec, and immediately thinks “Argentina.”)
Anyway, it’s time to talk about what will be the next household name of grape from Argentina. Yes, Torrontes. Specifically the Alamos Torrontes 2012. To the review!
Alamos Torrontes 2012 Review
Taste
This is one of those rare finds in a wine. Not as dry as a chardonnay, but not as sweet as a riesling. Rarer still, the price: $8.99 at our local Dominick’s (try a Safeway, Von’s, or Tom Thumb). (More on the value equation thing in a bit.)
Serve chilled, of course – but not too cold. And the first sip is dry – not acidic at all. Floral notes, some of the stone fruit elements you’d expect (peach, apricot) but, again, not overly fruity.
Finish might be a tad on the sweet side. Just a tad.
Profile
13.5% ABV. The 2011, according to the Alamos Wines web page, was grown at just south of a mile-high elevation. (5,276 feet to be exact.) (Note to self: book trip to this winery.)
Value
Can we talk about the price of this wine? ARE YOU SERIOUS?
We did a tasting of this side-by-side with a Chardonnay (we won’t mention which Chardonnay) and we didn’t tell anyone the price. Average guess: $12 to $16.
$8.99. When we publish the “Best Wine Values Under $10” list, this is definitely on it.
Metasip Grade: A-
I should note: I am NOT a typical white wine drinker. I don’t go out of my way to drink it, and I don’t even search for it during the summer – in most cases, I’d rather drink a beer.
This wine gets an A- because it has changed the way I think about white wine. Seriously – it’s a complex grape that seems to change on you – and each sip is better than the last.
Get ye to a store and try some of this. Trust me.
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