10 Great Argentine Wines For Easter

Ham and spring lamb are the two meats that dominate our Easter table, and Argentina has a signature wine to go with each of them — floral torrontés well matches the sweetness of baked ham, especially one with a fruit sauce, and malbec, with its light tannins and cherry flavors, pairs well with juicy lamb chops and a savory pan sauce.

Recently, we tasted several torrontés — some from the traditional Salta area in the north, but also ones from newer plantings in Mendoza — as well as some nice reds left over from our recent tasting of Argentine reds.

Alamos Salta Torrontés 2015 ($10)

Not too floral, not too minerally — a combo of sweet fruitiness and peppery spiciness.

Callia Alta Valle de Tulum Torrontés 2015 ($10)

A wine with lots of juicy, floral flavors and hints of white peaches, but also with good acidity and herbal spices in the finish.

Amalaya Salta White Blend 2015 ($12)

With 15 percent riesling added to the base of torrontés, the wine is rich, deep, and concentrated, with peaches and fresh nectarines, but also some savory notes and tanginess at the edges.

Colomé Valle Calchaqui Torrontés 2015 ($13)

Very good — tropical fruits with a muscat hook, quite floral.

Susana Balbo "Crios" Torrontés 2015 ($13)

Very floral with notes of honeysuckle, peach, and mango — good structure and long on the palate.

Salentein "Killka" Valle de Uco Torrontés 2015 ($14)

Complex and enjoyable — good viscosity and some nice edginess to rein in in the floral notes and the pop of crème fraîche, with some dried herbs in the finish.

Susana Balbo "Signature" Barrel Fermented Valle de Uco Torrontés 2014 ($27)

A gorgeous wine with the barrel fermentation taming the grape's floral characteristics and giving it length and creamy structure.

Susana Balbo "Crios" Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($13)

More muddled than structured fruit and textures — mauve fruitiness, earthy, granular.

Susana Balbo "Crios" Argentina Red Blend 2014 ($14)

Interesting blend of mainly malbec (60 percent) with additions of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, and tannat. Marvellous aromas, tad on the sweet side, with tart raspberry notes.

Susana Balbo "Signature" Valle de Uco Malbec 2013 ($23)

Creamy blueberries and other dark fruits with medium body, hints of chocolate, and nice bitters at the edges.