Movie & Wine Pairing

wine

Alma Andina Torrontés 2017
Salta, Argentina

Smart Blonde (1937)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 @ 08:00 PM (ET)

Glenda Farrell debuts the character of investigative reporter Torchy Blane in this 1937 murder mystery from Warner Bros. She had played minor parts in earlier Warner films (Little Caesar, Mystery of the Wax Museum) but takes the starring role here in what would be a series of popular successes – and a major inspiration for Superman’s leading lady, Lois Lane. Enjoy the film for its intrigue and charming heroine. Like this lovely Torrontés, Farrell is refreshing, crisp, and elegant.

TORRONTÈS

WINE STYLE

WELL CHILLED

SHELLFISH

VEGETARIAN

THE WINE

Vintage after vintage, Steve McEwen’s Torrontés thrills white wine fans wherever it goes. Previous releases have scooped major international awards, including a Best in Class designation from the International Wine & Spirit Competition, as well as a coveted gold medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards. Judges raved: “This is lovely and aromatic with white flower, lemongrass, and elderflower characters. Restrained but classy palate that is clean, crisp, refreshing, and long with peach and spice notes. This is modern Torrontés in a leaner, elegant style.” You can expect more of the same in this super-fresh 2017 release.

THE GRAPE

Though the name Torrontés is used to describe several distinct grape varieties in Spain, this Torrontés grape is unique to Argentina. And if Malbec is the country’s King of Reds, Torrontés is surely its Queen of Whites. Critic Tom Cannavan writes: “Torrontés is a white wine grape that makes terrifically fragrant, perfumed-yet-rich, fruity wines with crisp acidity.”

THE REGION

As The Wine Advocate notes: “Argentina is the most exciting New World wineproducing country. At their best, these wines exude panache, complexity, and unbridled deliciousness.” Malbec has paved the way, but wine fans are discovering just how delicious the star white grape can be. For this gem, we headed to Salta, home to the world’s highest vineyards (some over 10,000 ft.).

WITH FOOD

Alma Andina is uplifting on its own and also great with Latin food – especially if seafood is involved. Steve’s favorite match is a mouthwatering ceviche. Need a vegetarian option? Torrontés has a wonderfully crisp quality, which means it will go nicely with all manner of vegetable dishes. We tried (and loved) black bean dip with queso fresco.