Andes-Adjacent Aromatic Argentinian Awaits

Argentina is making some pretty good wine.

Haven’t had any yet? That’s a shame, because there are some really excellent wines coming from this South American soccer powerhouse that not only won’t break the bank, they’ll barely bend it.

Take today’s offering, for instance. No, really: take it. It’s tasty and crisp, and available for $14. What, you don’t even know what torrontés is?

Do you like viognier?

Torrontés is an aromatic, dry white wine. So, for instance, if you like big, buttery, oaky Napa chardonnays, this probably isn’t up your alley. But if aromatic, floral viogniers or crisp, grassy, citrusy sauvignon blancs are more your cup of—er, well, tea I suppose—then you’ve found a new friend from south of the equator.

The 2009 Alma Andina is a very light, very faint yellow in the glass. It looks a lot like other aromatic, dry whites. On the nose is an incredible bouquet that features, primarily, a pink grapefruit note that will rock your socks. In general, the nose is clean and crisp, and there’s a hint of lime zest here as well, lest you think you’re actually smelling grapefruit juice.

The citrus party continues on the palate, with a lemon note the primary focus. The wine is medium bodied with a short finish and is clean, crisp, and refreshing. A bit of a pear note sticks its head out from the game room to let you know he, too, is at the party.

All in all, this is an excellent, easy drinking, aromatic dry white wine. Especially if you are a fan of the Rhone whites (viognier, marsanne, rousanne, etc) you should check out Argentinian torrontés, and the 2009 Alma Andina is as good a place to start as any.

Verdict: B+