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Amanda Barnes is a British journalist who makes her own bread and butter by drinking wine around the country. Actually, she spends her bread and butter on wine.

Six Argentine white wines to liven up your weekend

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Argentina may well be the land of Malbec and steak, but that doesn't mean you should eschew its white wines. There's been a boom in top end white wines that go far beyond your average Torrontes. White blends are on the rise and there’s a wide range of white wine varieties being grown across the Uco Valley in particular. The Vines winemaker Pablo Martorell and I have pulled together six of our top recommendations for Argentine whites to get your hands on. Salud!

Amanda’s Pick: Susana Balbo, White Blend 2016

I love some of the white blends coming out of Argentina at the moment and this exemplifies the growing trend. Balbo has always been known as the Queen of Torrontes, but this blend sees the addition of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc to her tasteful palate. It is filled with bright citrus and blossom notes, with a richness from barrel-ageing and has that thirst-quenching mineral note and acidity so typical of Altamira.

Pablo’s Pick: Chardonnay 2016, Santiago Achaval

Soon to be released, this white wine has been fermented in 50% new barrels and 50% of barrels of second use. It is very complex and silky in the mouth with lots of fruit and a balanced acidity. It is a great Chardonnay that reminds me of many great Chardonnays from Burgundy.

Amanda’s Pick: Piedra Negra, Gran Lurton

Sauvignon Vert is not a variety people usually talk about, but here Bordeaux winemaker Francois Lurton blends it with Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc to create a full-bodied white with freshness, juicy white peach notes and bright citrus notes. I had the pleasure of doing a vertical tasting of older vintages of this white with him recently, and I can guarantee this is one worthy of cellaring!

Pablo’s Pick: Zenith Nadir 2014

This white blend has Chardonnay, Fiano and Sauvignon Blanc fermented in barrels of first, second and third use. It is a very interesting blend that has many virtues with a complex mouth, long finish with marked acidity and a nose with a great expression combining fruit, freshness and complexity.

Amanda’s Pick: Mendel Semillon 2016

Semillon was once the most planted white variety in Argentina, but all that remain are pockets of old vines dotted around the country. Im a big fan of the Semillon revival happening in South America right now and this wine led the pack as the first. Its still a great pour today, rich with a savoury nuttiness, a long finish and a bright acidity that will keep it fresh through the years.

Pablo’s Pick: De Moño Rojo 2016

A blend of Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier, this wine is fermented in a concrete egg and is a complex but fresh wine, with a super interesting acidity and long finish. It is a unique blend which is typical of southern France, and these grapes have adapted well to the soils of the Uco valley.

 

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