November 18th, 2009 by Jeff

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Wines featured in today’s show:

• Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2009  (~$17)
• Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec 2008  (~$17)
• Sur de Los Andes Bonarda  2007  (~$15)

Recommended food pairings from The Som:

I mentioned in the show that those Argentineans love their beef and their red wines reflect it, so I’m sure I don’t need to insult your intelligence and give you a recipe.  Steak, roast, prime rib…whatever;  it will go well.    The Torrontes, however, has such unique and interesting qualities that perhaps we should break it down a bit and see if we can come up with a perfect partnership.

It’s on the fuller bodied side of medium for sure and definitely has some weight to it.  The acidity is there but not the first thing you notice (like you would with a Sauvignon Blanc).  The nose has a decided Gewürztraminer note to it (rose soap, oily, perfumed) but there seems to be a bit more honeydew melon involved as well.  The word “richness” comes to mind.  I would use this wine with fish, and one of my favorites is Halibut.  It’s dense, meaty and takes to the flavors it’s cooked with very well.  Here’s a great grilled halibut recipie that should go nicely.  In fact, the recipe calls for Gewürztraminer…which you could easily substitute with a Torrontes.  (Remember: cook with the wine you intend to drink.)  This recipe has sweetness from the sautéed peppers and a touch of heat from the black pepper.  The weight of the dish is a nice match with the weight of the wine.

One other thing:  Torrontes would be a very good Thanksgiving wine!