The arrival of the warmer temperatures of March has put me in a springtime frame of mind. I suppose that's why I went a little overboard stocking up on tropical fruit last time I grocery-shopped. The mangoes proved to be particularly golden and juicy, especially for this time of year. I have had fun making tart slaws and sweet ice creams with these sunny little gems, but truly they are best eaten on their own -- and paired with a lovely bottle of 2009 Alamos Torrontés.
While the Malbec is Argentina's signature red wine, Torrontés is its white counterpart. Perhaps because of all the heavy, meat-based dished in Argentinean cuisine, the Malbec is favored, while the Torrontés often goes overlooked. This particular brand, the Alamos, is a particularly fine example of this grape varietal. With a floral fragrance that evokes memories of jasmine blooming on a summer night and a citrusy, almondy flavor, the warm depth of this white mingles well with the fresh, tropical fruitiness of the mango. Crisp, clean and acidic on its own, it begins to take on a more subtle sweetness when paired with the mango. It's a lovely combination that will have you putting on your flip-flops and skipping to the park.
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