Peter - Wine Specialist, Pasadena
Susana Balbo has literally turned the Argentine wine world upside down and inside out! As the first female enologist in Argentina, she is referred to as the "Queen of Torrontes." Balbo coaxes and manipulates this white grape varietal into an incredibly approachable, surprisingly affordable, and extremely tasteful Argentine white wine.
Leave it to Susana to locate the terroir that distresses the grape vines to the point of producing exceptional Torrontes. She performs this magic with fruit from the sub appellations of Paraje Altamira and San Carlos in the Valle de Uco region, a premier wine producing area located in the Mendoza Province of Western Argentina, approximately 50 to 60 miles southwest of Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
The blend itself is unique for Argentina, combining the aromatic native Torrontés (40%) with the more classic French varietals Sauvignon Blanc (30%) and Sémillon (30%). This challenges the traditional perception of Argentine white wines.
The consistent high scores and positive reviews from international critics underscore its unique quality and position in the market. Tim Atkin MW calls it "effortlessly complex" and "consistently among the best white blends in Argentina," highlighting its pioneering status.
The award-winning scores also detail the unique blend, high-altitude terroir, and complex winemaking behind the Susana Balbo Signature Brioso White Blend 2024.
The wine itself is vivid and energetic with bright, focused acidity and lots of sliced dried-citrus and stone undertones. It combines the exotic notes of those aromatic varieties Torrontes and Sauvignon Blanc with the seriousness and freshness of the Semillon. It has integrated spice from its time in barrels. The grape clusters are hand picked, destemmed, and then macerated on the skins for six hours.
I promise you... After you taste this wine, you will be ready to fly to Mendoza and stay in her Winemaker's Guesthouses for a magical wine vacation!
