(Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés, Salta) This pretty little wine is made from Argentina's most widely planted white varietal, which is actually a native of Spain. The Torrontés grapes were grown at a warm latitude, but at a cool, 5,000-foot elevation. Delicate-but-persistant notes of gardenia, fruit cocktail, litchi, honeydew, lime, and green tea emerge on the nose. Flowers, fruit, and perfume surround you in this aromatic wine, reminiscent of a combination of Gewürztraminer and Muscat. It smells sweet, but it's dry, light, and clean on the palate, without even a trace of oak. It would be great with dishes featuring aromatic herbs, such as ceviche or Thai-basil chicken. Hot Picks
By David Glancy, MS, CWE
(Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés, Salta) This pretty little wine is made from Argentina's most widely planted white varietal, which is actually a native of Spain. The Torrontés grapes were grown at a warm latitude, but at a cool, 5,000-foot elevation. Delicate-but-persistant notes of gardenia, fruit cocktail, litchi, honeydew, lime, and green tea emerge on the nose. Flowers, fruit, and perfume surround you in this aromatic wine, reminiscent of a combination of Gewürztraminer and Muscat. It smells sweet, but it's dry, light, and clean on the palate, without even a trace of oak. It would be great with dishes featuring aromatic herbs, such as ceviche or Thai-basil chicken. Hot PicksFebruary 2009, (See more on Sommelier Journal...)