Inca Torrontes/Chardonnay White 2004

This dry white comes from the Calchaqui Valley, at 6000 ft elevation, where there is a long cool growing season. The blend is 80% Torrontes and 20% Chardonnay.

Torrontes is a grape indigenous to Rioja, Spain; it is bold, perfumey, spicy and distinctive. This wine was brought in by Apellation Imports. The color is pale straw. The aromas and flavors are spicy and rose petal floral, layered over peaches and apricot fruit, with a tart citrusy mouthfeel and finish. My first impression of this wine was its similarity to a nice dry Gewurztraminer - and this wine would do very well with spicy Asian food, as well as by itself or with salads and light cheeses. The closure is a synthetic plastic cork. (A screw cap would be a plus.)

At $9 (Nashville), this is something different, a good choice for a bold, floral, spicy white wine occasion.