Auka Torrontes 2009

I was out to dinner with two mates on our irregular Boys' Night Out and met up with the Law Professor before the GP arrived to complete the trio.  I randomly chose a forgettable Chardonnay which tasted like it had been open for a few days and was flat, acidic and barely worth drinking.  So I drank it.

The waitperson materialised - as they do.  "And would you like some more wine?"

I said - Yesssss - how about that funny wine - about which I know not a thing. Torrentes?

"It's a South American grape. Very fruity, refreshing wine. Quite young."

Whatever.  Thanks. And one for the Professor too.

I wasn't expecting anything really - but when it arrived: clear pale gold colour.

Aromas: Floral, Muscatel.  Flavours: Muscato, citrus, apple, pear. Clean and crisp with ripe white grape flavours, yet a dry finish ... fabulous.

A really exciting and unexpected wine find.  I think it's about $NZ30 a bottle.

According to the Official Torrontes Website: "The Torrontes grape is cultivated in the Argentine provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan and Rio Negro. The Torrontes wine made from this white grape is considered the best of its kind in the entire world."

No arguing with Latin braggadocio.

Hey - check out Phil's revamped website with new pricing and gosh-diddly-darned fab extras