In the wine world as in other industries things go in and out of favor. That of course has its pluses and minuses. Personally I love the fact that 
we're getting away from over oaked Chardonnay. Sometimes though a varietal hits our radar for the first time and starts to make inroads. Such is the case with Torrontes. Most familiar with Argentine wine know Malbec. Without question that is Argentina's signature red grape. How many though know that Torrontes is its flagship white varietal? Thankfully that number has been rising steadily the last few years. Each spring for the last few years it seems there are more and more options on US shelves of this varietal. Today I'll look at one from Valentin Bianchi, a consistent producer of quality wine across a host of price points.
The 2008 Elsa Torrontes is produced from fruit sourced in San Rafael, Mendoza. This offering is 100% varietal. 2,000 cases of this wine were imported. The suggested retail price is $8.99.
Good examples of this varietal tend to have a lovely nose, and the Elsa does. Citrus, lychee, and orchard fruit are most prominent. The palate is refreshing and dry with continued lychee fruit, hints of hazelnut and oranges notes that echo through the finish. Crisp, clean and mouthwatering are the terms that first come to mind with the medium length finish. This wine beckons you back to the glass for sip after sip. Good acidity keeps everything in check
This Torrontes from Valentin Bianchi is the sort of wine I look towards in Spring and Summer as a "welcome wine" when I have friends over. It's refreshing, interesting and light enough not to bog anyones palate down out of the box. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to lighter cuisine. Another fine, value priced offering from Valentin Bianchi.