This review was originally posted on September 14, 2009. But when the Callia Alta was on CLEARANCE at HEB last weekend, I grabbed a couple of bottles for only $5 each. And you know what? This review stands, though I might actually enjoy this wine even more now. If that’s possible. Go get some!
Let’s just be honest here. I bought this wine because it had a pretty label, a screw-top, and an $8 price tag. Girl shopping. Simple as that.
I rarely buy Argentine wines, though I have no good reason for avoiding them, and I’ve never heard of Torrontes, which is “a characteristic white grape of Argentina.” Thank God for wikipedia. The label proclaims “delicate aromas” with “notes of roses and orange trees.” Also, “exotic and smooth.” Sounds sexy.
It lived up to the promise – floral and smooth. Also refreshing, buttery, and a little green, like fresh-cut grass or watermelon rind. It’s fragrance and flavor reminded me of four o’clocks (also called mirabilis), those lovely little evening flowers that bloomed by the east window of my grandmother’s dining room.
And really, really good. Pour-me-another-glass-quick good. It’s absolutely delicious. How have I missed out on Argentine Torrontes all this time?
Anyway . . . drink this on the patio at sunset with your lover, with fresh nectarines and peaches and strawberries. Drink it with Szechwan or Vietnamese or Thai. Drink it all on its own while you’re blogging about drinking Callia Alta Torrontes. You won’t regret it.
