Don David Torrontes 2009

Calchaqui Valley, Argentina Michel Torino Don David Torrontes Reserve is a new white wine gem discovery from Argentina. Torrontes is a native Galician grape varietal now flourishing in Argentina that is quickly catching on in the American market as a perfect white for summertime. The varietal can produce wines showing the aromatics of Muscat, the richness of Viognier and the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc. No ratings yet for the new 2009 vintage, but the 2007 release scored Best of Tasting in the Wall Street Journal wine column (June 20, 2008). It was rated a rare Delicious and called truly a world-class bargain. Jay Miller for Wine Advocate scored the 2007 a 90, saying: Torrontes does not get much better than this! We find this new 2009 vintage even better! Michel Torino has over 1500 acres of vineyards standing at 5500-6600 feet above sea level, making it the most important winery in the Cafayate Valley of Argentina. Brothers Salvador and David Michel founded the winery in 1892, 22 years after discovering the Cafayate as an area suitable for fine wine production. The Cafayate Valley averages 330-340 sunny days per year, and has low humidity and a great thermal range, with evenly warm days (82 degrees) and cool nights (54 degrees). Irrigation is mandatory, as only 3-6 inches of rain fall per year. All of the Michel Torino wines are hand-harvested in the estate's own vineyards. Additionally, Andrés Höy, Torino's production manager, practices sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming by minimizing the use of fertilizers and chemicals in the vineyard. The unique Cafayete climate manifests itself in the elegant, focused profile of Michel Torino's wines. These are wines with an indelible sense of place, wines that complement food rather than overpower, wines that are true to their origin. Michel Torino Don David Torrontes Reserve is 100% Torrontes, all hand-picked from the estate's La Primavera and El Alminar vineyards at an elevation of 5600 feet. The vines are over 20 years old and yield fruit with concentration, balance and complexity. 10% of the wine is fermented in small American oak barrels for 3 months; 50% completes a malolactic fermentation. Michel Torino Don David Torrontes Reserve is intense yellow-gold in color with delicate floral and rose aromas and notes of orange peel and toast. Bone dry, medium in body with bright acidity, the wine offers flavors of fresh citrus, peach, honey and anise. It is crisp and refreshing on the finish. Enjoy Michel Torino Don David Torrontes Reserve over the next 3-4 years as an aperitif wine and an elegant complement to grilled scallops, broiled salmon, chicken empanadas and grilled asparagus.