L10 by Valentin Bianchi Torrontes 2013
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Wilfred
Wong
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Leo Torrontes is best enjoyed slightly chilled on-its-own as an aperitif, or as a great accompaniment to lobster, shrimp, clams and other seafood, as well as chicken dishes, especially those with a creamy sauce.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
What is a Torrontes supposed to smell and taste like? Well, the 2013 Leo is an excellent example of the varietal. Fresh, aromatic and alluring, yet firm and serious on the palate; tasty peach skin flavors, with a note of flowers; crisp finish, with just a faint note of sugar. Perfect with aromatic roast chicken with a toss of al-dente jalapenos.
In Collaboration with the Messi Foundation, Valentin Bianchi presents L10 wines, honoring the
Argentine soccer super-star. Proceeds from the sale of L10 wines will help fund health and educational
initiatives for disadvantaged children.
Bodegas Valentin Bianchi is a fourth generation, family-owned Argentine winery founded in 1928 (and is
among the oldest Argentine wineries still owned by the same family). It is renowned for traditional
Argentine wines. After almost a century of hard work and success, Valentin Bianchi still shines with the
legacy of the family, seeking to keep alive its passion for wine, crossing borders via export to most of the
world, and constantly exploring new horizons, on both the winemaking and marketing sides of the
company.
Bianchi wines encompass the exponents of the best terroirs of Argentina, with a philosophy that
encourages a constant exploration for the ideal terroir for each wine. Then winery’s philosophy is to find
the unique and unparalleled aspects of each one of its estates to interpret the vine’s intent and provide
the market with variety and excellence in each and every wine they produce.
Unapologetically fun and distinctively fragrant, Torrontés is regarded as the signature white grape of Argentina. In many ways it bears a striking resemblance to Muscat (and in fact is an offspring of Muscat of Alexandria). Sommelier Secret—If you’re in search of a new summer sipper, look no further than Torrontés. These wines are always inexpensive, delightfully refreshing and are best enjoyed in the sunny outdoors at a picnic, poolside or on the porch.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.