2022 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes

Susana Balbo is one of Argentina's leading and most innovative winemakers. In 1981, Susana graduated as the first female oenologist in Argentine wine history. She then worked for 25 years for various large wine estates as a winemaker. She is seen as the 'Evita Péron' of Argentine viticulture. Influential, beloved and a little controversial. Under her motto 'where there is a will, there is a wine', she creates her way to her ultimate dream: her own winery where she can go wild with her ideas about making sublime wines. In 1999 she started her own wine estate Dominio del Plato in the heart of the Lujan de Cuyo in Mendoza. The winery is breathtakingly set against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains. In 2016 the name was changed to Susana Balbo Wines.

Susana is known as the 'Queen of Torrontés' for her role in transforming Torrontés from an unknown blend grape into Argentina's white star. This Críos Torrontés is crisp, refreshing and aromatic, with a bouquet of citrus fruits, passion fruit, lychee and white flowers. Vibrant acidity, a hint of creaminess and a long, mineral finish give depth and balance to the palate. The 2019 vintage has received 90+/100 Parker points and 91/100 James Suckling. Very high scores for a wine in this price range.

The wine is an excellent accompaniment to smoked meats, mild to medium cheeses and seafood (especially crab, shrimp, raw and marinated fish). It is also a wonderful wine to pair with Asian dishes and sushi and a surprising partner with goat cheese.