Weak Day Wines: Thursday

We’ve visited Pinot Noir from Mar del Plata, Chenin Blanc from Uco Valley and a Malbec rosé from Luján de Cuyo. Today, is all white. Blanc de Alba 2014, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Juan Pablo Michelini and Agustina de Alba. 275 pesos. Cork.

The alcohol? 11.6%.

The grapes? Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling.

Winemaker:  Juan Pablo Michelini.

Anything else notable? Yes. Juampi, as he’s fondly known as, teamed up with sommelier Agustina de Alba for this exciting 11.6% white blend that scored 92 Parker Points earlier this year. Wine friends for life, a series of coincidences led Juampi and Agus to create something together. Accumulating plenty of air miles, Agus travelled back and forth, tasting and sampling with Juampi to find the right balance between the Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling grapes.

The upshot? Plenty of buzz: a Michelin’s involvement; a top sommelier’s involvement; produced in sexy Uco Valley; a white blend that shows off a different slant to Argentina…

Fun fact: Just 2,400 bottles of the first vintage from 2014 were produced.

Taste me because: From the offing, I’m flinty and stoney, with lemon juice and lemon pith in the nose. Stone fruit such as peach and pear also rears their heads, as does a hint of orange blossom and smoke. A little oxidation makes it a bit raw and savage, and rather exciting. High acidity, surprisingly dry, off-citrus flavours and pith plus a little tannin mean this will stand up to a lot of food. Serve at 9-12ºC.

Pairing: I’ve got urge for some charcuterie with this…

Ph: Courtesy of Agustina de Alba