Susana Balbo is a winemaking force of nature. This was confirmed by a recent tasting in London of her premium barrel-fermented Torrontes wines.
Torrontes is one of those grapes which, along with South Africa’s Pinotage, many wine consumers shy away from. Yet Balbo is passionate in her belief that great Torrontes can be made to compete with fine Chardonnay from Burgundy, as well as Gruner Veltliner and Germany’s finest dry Riesling.
Up until now, I would admit to being in the group of wine-drinkers who found Torrontes initially ‘interesting’ and different on the nose; but I would rarely, if ever, go back for a second glass. As a result of Balbo’s groundbreaking work, I am now having to review that stance.
