2010 LAS PERDICES TORRONTÉS Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $12.95 #267863
If you’ve never tried torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape variety, get ready for a wild ride. There’s nothing subtle about it; it has outrageously pronounced aromatics, the kind you can smell at the next table when it’s ordered in a restaurant. This version is indeed fragrant, though a little more elegant and less aggressive than many of the genre. It has refined floral aromas with lightly salty taste, while the palate is soft, dry and flowery, balanced, with integrated 14% alcohol and lingering finish. Super value sipping wine I’d say all around. Best: now. Serving temp.: 8ºC. Pairing: Grilled seabass with mango-rosemary salsa.
2001 BODEGA DEL ABAD DOM BUENO CRIANZA DO Bierzo, Spain $14.95 #244699
Extreme value alert for fans of mature wines! Yes, that’s right, a ten year-old red for under $15. And it’s not tired or cooked — mature, yes, but still very much alive. You’ll have to be in to fully mature, smoky, savoury, pot pourri and dried leaves/fruit/herbs aromas and flavours; you can forget about fresh berry fruit. But there’s tremendous complexity, a rarity in this price category. The palate is fullish and savoury, fully umami-driven, with lingering finish. At this price you cannot go wrong. To learn more about Bierzo and the mencÃa grape, see my recent posting on www.winealign.com. Best: now. Serving temp.: 16ºC. Pairing: Wild mushroom and savoury herb fricassee.
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John Szabo is a master sommelier and wine writer for Toronto Standard. Follow his tweets here: @johnszabo.
More recommendations by John Szabo at www.johnswines.com
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