The Taste

When you mention Argentina in conversation, 99 percent of wine drinkers think of malbec. And rightfully so: The country's flagship grape has captivated oenophiles for many years. But Argentina has another card up its sleeve, as another native grape could become the next malbec in terms of popularity and pricing accessibility. But it's not a red.

The Torrontés grape has been compared to riesling and viognier for its perfumy aromas. It is an ideal summer drink, because it is served cold, has the strength of flavor to stand up to richer foods but doesn't get weighed down by the heaviness, creaminess or sweetness sometimes associated with other white wines.

The grapes used to make this vintage come from an area called Salta, which is famous for its Torrontés. The company, Terrazas de los Andes, has ties dating back to 1960 to the famous Champagne house Moët & Chandon. This particular bottle contains unoaked wine -- no vanilla, caramel or wood to compete with the fruit. And what fruit! The bouquet bowls you over with pear, peach and passion fruit. It starts sweet but gets tart in the finish, the acids balancing out the sugar. Torrontés is very likely to be a next big thing. Try some now before the prices soar.

-- James Oliver Cury