AGUIJON DE ABEJA 2009 TORRONTES

  

Just so there is no misunderstanding, as we have said before, we are not fans of Torrontes.  We have experienced so many dull, oxidative examples, we still cringe when someone pulls it out of their sales bag.  But perhaps the grape isn’t the problem, maybe it’s the practitioners.  We had found a couple that were fresher, brighter and livelier in the Zolo and Norton, and they had become very good sellers.  But these guys take it stylistically maybe even a step further, and in so doing maybe really have this varietal dialed in.  Instead of making it bone dry, leave a hint of sweetness, keep the stuff fresh in chilled stainless steel, and bottle it as oxygen free as possible.  This one is not only good, it ‘pops’ with the dried spice, apple and floral nose of the varietal, with a fresh, almost Riesling-like mouthfeel, and just a touch of sweetness.  This one not only competes with the best examples of Torrontes we have had, but also some of the really captivating and fun stuff from Spain and Portugal.  For us, this little wine is a big breakthrough for the varietal and a stunning value as well.