Looking for something great for sipping on a warm, late summer day? Here is your chance to expand your horizons with a different white wine. Pick up a bottle of Torrontes (Tor-RON-tayss). Torrontes is a white grape grown in Argentina. What can you expect from this grape? The aroma and taste profile will include something floral – white flowers, orange blossom, etc. Fruit flavors are usually orange, peach, maybe pear. There will be a lot of mouth watering, refreshing acidity. Think about how biting into a crisp apples makes you salivate. Acidity in wine causes the same reaction. People who like the flavor of Muscat or Muscato, but want something less sweet, might enjoy this wine. Torrontes is a direct descendant of the Muscat grape so many of the flavors are the same. Torrontes is usually a “dry” wine (no detectable sugar), but because it has a really rich, juicy texture and flavor many drinkers find it gives the impression of slight sweetness. Torrontes has many pairing options. You can start with a glass. Seriously it is a great wine just for sipping by the pool or on the porch. It also pairs well with salads, seafood with citrus sauces, spicy Asian food and other light dishes. Where can you find it? There are several brands I have seen on Arkansas shelves. They include Alamos, Inacayal, Crios, Doňa Paula and Trivento and they range from approx $10-$20. You will probably find others because several local wine stores have recently added some to their stock. If your favorite wine store doesn’t carry a Torrontes you can ask them to order it for you. If you don’t want to invest in a whole bottle to try, order a glass next time you find it on a restaurant or wine bar menu.
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