My last dance with the wines of Astica came courtesy of their bargain-priced Cabernet Sauvignon. At $4.99 a bottle, I was hoping to find a cheap go-to to have around for cooking and peripheral friends and acquaintances who I’m obligated to serve alcohol guests. Well, it wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t a whole lot better than Three Buck Chuck, either. At $6.99 (at Barriques), the Astica Cuyo Torrontes 2008‘s price is right, but what do I get for my two dollar upgrade from its rough-edged cab cousin? Also, I’ve never had a Torrontes, and the tasting notes piqued my interest in the style.
Wine: Astica Cuyo Torrontes 2008
Vitals: 13% abv; Grapes – 100% Torrontes; Region – Cuyo Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Company Line: “Astica is a dependable source of high-quality Argentine wines at a low price. The Astica range includes internationally popular varietals such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Torrontes and Malbec, Argentina’s signature white and red grapes. Vibrant, eye-catching packaging fits with the meaning of Astica, which is an indigenous word for ‘flower’ in Argentina. The wines are produced from hand-picked fruit in the Cuyo Valley and vinified in a fresh, fruit-forward style.
Argentina’s signature white grape, Torrontes produces an aromatic wine with notes of citrus and flowers. On the palate, the wine is smooth and ripe. –frederickwildman.com“
My take: sits lemon yellow in the glass. Nose exudes floral and fragrant peach blossoms and citrus. Palate reminiscent of orange muscat, with notes of stone fruit and tropical citrus. Finishes with bright, lightly tongue-curling acidity and an ephemeral apricot aftertaste. A very unique wine that manages to combine the perfume and fruitiness of muscat dessert wines with the tropical acidity and drier finish of South American Sauvignon Blanc. This Torrontes…I’m gonna have to revisit you when the weather cooperates a little better. Great value here.
43north/89west 
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