EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:

Today’s delicious selection form Argentina is a very limited import into the U.S. The Wine Spies have secured a TOP SECRET allocation of this delicious wine that recently was named the Top White Wine of all entries at the 2010 Golden Glass Wine Competition.

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Mission Codename: The Perfect Poolside Wine

Operative: Agent White

Objective:Acquire the exclusive Top White Wine Winner from the 2010 Golden Glass Competition

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Makia Estate

Wine Subject: 2009 Mendoza Torrontés

Winemaker: Luke Branzanti

Backgrounder: Torrontés, the white wine of Argentina is both distinctive and delicious. Known specifically for its aromatic profile it is similar in aroma and flavors to Viognier. Its balanced acidity and good weight makes it a great food wine to pair with spicy dishes.

Mendoza, is well known among lovers of Argentinian wine and is considered to be one of the nine cities worldwide as a Great Capitals of Wine. Located in the foothills and high plains of the Andes mountains, the regions unique soil and climate make it ideal for cultivating both wine and olive oil.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

LOOK: – Pale straw yellow, with a soft golden honey hues in its core. A thin ring of glistening platinum circles the edges. Randomly spaced skinny legs start high on the glass and then fall slowly to the wine below.

SMELL: – Medium in intensity but very pretty and aromatic with notes of white peach, apricot honeydew melon and a touch of nectarine citrus. Floral notes of acacia, honeysuckle, orange blossom. A soft honey hint and a subtle green herbal note adds to the fresh and approachable nose of this wine.

FEEL: – Smooth and dry, this white is ultra round at the edges of the palate with good weight, supple and balanced with an easy structure and a gentle minerality.

TASTE: – Fresh stone fruit including peach and apricot lead off along with soft citrus, melon, green plantain. The floral orange blossom and honey suckle meld with soft minerality with a slightly tart citrus hint on the back of the palate.

FINISH: – Bright and focused at first, leading to a long and soft and clean conclusion, with gentle citrus, apricot and other stone fruit lingering on the palate.

Conclusion – The 2009 Makia Estate Mendoza Torrontés is a delicious white (at a great price), reminiscent of the best qualities of Viognier. Great weight and texture on the palate with a nose that is so pretty, you can just smell it all day long. Fresh and vibrant fruit on the palate and a long clean finish. A great food wine that is perfect for summertime enjoyment.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Luke Branzanti

WINE EDUCATION: I practically grew up in the wine world, my family makes wines for four generations, and almost a hundred years.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: A great wine is produced in the vineyard!

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Saracen fortress Sangiovese – Cantina Bartolini 2001

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Luke. We are thrilled to be showing your 2009 Torrontés today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

LUKE: You’re welcome, we are pleased to have you show our delicious Torrontés.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

LUKE: I was born with a passion for wine,

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

LUKE: Tachis

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

LUKE: First of all the wine they produce to please myself, then I hope that my taste is shared by many wine lovers.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

LUKE: Makia Torrontes 2009, Mendoza (Argentina). And ’the only true indigenous variety from Argentina. The wine produced from this grape is spicy, extremely seeking nose with floral and fruity, the palate is warm and enveloping, with hints of peach and yellow fruit with a long mineral finish.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

LUKE: With a beautiful woman aboard a large swimming pool.

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Mendoza so special?

LUKE: Argentina is an extraordinary land that unites all the characteristics necessary to produce great wines. The sun, earth, water and air are vital elements that reach, in the Rioja, their highest expression and untouched, characteristics that are found in our wines.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

LUKE: I’m preparing my company’s 2010 grape harvest in Italy (Bartolini Cellars).

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

LUKE: The wine reflects who produces it and is an experience that everyone plays according to his mood.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

LUKE: I think we share a lot already: a passion for good wine.

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Makia Estate just west of Vista Flores can be seen in this satellite photo.