Odd Pair: Mangos and 2009 Alamos Torrontés

Categories: Odd Pair

mangoespre.jpg
sahgal_rahul
The arrival of the warmer temperatures of March has put me in a springtime frame of mind. I suppose that's why I went a little overboard stocking up on tropical fruit last time I grocery-shopped. The mangoes proved to be particularly golden and juicy, especially for this time of year. I have had fun making tart slaws and sweet ice creams with these sunny little gems, but truly they are best eaten on their own -- and paired with a lovely bottle of 2009 Alamos Torrontés.

While the Malbec is Argentina's signature red wine, Torrontés is its white counterpart. Perhaps because of all the heavy, meat-based dished in Argentinean cuisine, the Malbec is favored, while the Torrontés often goes overlooked. This particular brand, the Alamos, is a particularly fine example of this grape varietal. With a floral fragrance that evokes memories of jasmine blooming on a summer night and a citrusy, almondy flavor, the warm depth of this white mingles well with the fresh, tropical fruitiness of the mango. Crisp, clean and acidic on its own, it begins to take on a more subtle sweetness when paired with the mango. It's a lovely combination that will have you putting on your flip-flops and skipping to the park.

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8 comments
Paul Kalemkiarian
Paul Kalemkiarian

Excellent writing. Torrontes makes fragrant, rich and fruity wines with crisp acidity and good body. Its fragrant (with heady floral and herbal notes) and exotic components are similar to those of Viognier and Verdehello.

It is the quintessential wine for a warm summer evening, especially when paired with shellfish or light pasta dishes, veal and chicken.

Paul KalemkiarianPresident, Wine of the Month Clubhttp://www.wineofthemonthclub....

Paul Kalemkiarian
Paul Kalemkiarian

Excellent writing. Torrontes makes fragrant, rich and fruity wines with crisp acidity and good body. Its fragrant (with heady floral and herbal notes) and exotic components are similar to those of Viognier and Verdehello.

It is the quintessential wine for a warm summer evening, especially when paired with shellfish or light pasta dishes, veal and chicken.

Paul KalemkiarianPresident, Wine of the Month Clubhttp://www.wineofthemonthclub....

Mai Pham
Mai Pham

One of my fave wines! The Alamos Torrontes, from the Catena Zapata wine family, and many Torrontes from Salta have a lovely fruity floral bouquet, a perfect summer wine that, when chilled, pairs wonderfully with fish, salads, lunch, fruit! The best thing about it: a good bottle of Torrontes will only set you back about $10-12!

Gilligan32
Gilligan32

Where is the best Torrontes from?

Mai Pham
Mai Pham

The best Torrontes is from Cafayate in Salta, Argentina. I'm not a huge fan of the Crios (made in Mendoza) or La Yunta. Try one of the following: Alamos, Alta Vista, Terrazas Ave wineries, several available at Spec's

SirRon
SirRon

That is like asking where the best Malbec is from.

Gilligan32
Gilligan32

High elevation v low elevation in the Andes, I mean? I've heard there are differing styles based on the terroir. Maybe you can elaborate?

SirRon
SirRon

A wine with the an aroma of mango goes well with an actual mango. Odd.

On the positive side, I want to have it now.

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