2009 Don Manuel Villafane Torrontes

So, the plan was Torrontes with chicken roll ups made with boursin cheese and asparagus, and rice with veggies (sauteed onion, zucchini, and spinach). Also I wanted to try making some new appetizers that would go with the torrontes. The appetizers were made from sauteed red and yellow sweet peppers, onion, garlic, and chicken breast. I added a little mojo sauce for flavor. I put some of this mix on toasted chibbata (brushed with olive oil and toasted in a 400 degree oven), and some of it I put on rounds of puff pastry. I put a little mexican grated cheese on top and toasted them in the oven. It was very good with the torrontes, but was actually a little too sweet for the wine. So... when this one goes to the Winers club , I'll add a little mushroom to make it more savory. The torrontes was very good with the chicken roll-ups.

The torrontes was a new one for us $13 at Ashes (we usually drink Legado torrontes from Argentina, very tasty and about $9 a bottle at Ashes). This was Don Manuel Villafane 2009, also from Argentina. It had a very nice nose, very fruity (citrus and melon) with a honeysuckle scent. it had nice balance with good acidity, and a full silky mouth feel. The taste was similar to the nose, with melon and lime. Very nice, easy to drink. This is a good wine to sip on the patio, and should be good with mildly spicey dishes

I also made an appetizer from figs. You cut the figs in fourths and marinade them for at least 30 min in a balsamic vinagrette. Then they are arranged in the center of a dish, and surrounded with little slices of fresh mozzarella, and a little spinach for color. Sprinkle with a little lemon zest and a little bit of mint leaves, and ta-da! a very nice appetizer. It's pretty sweet though, so it might be difficult to match to a wine (terrible with the torrontes). We had a little of the sauternes from the other night. It was delicious with the figs!!