From: Los Cardones, Tolombón, Salta, Argentina
Varietal: Torrontes
Tasting Notes and Critical Acclaim: "A juicy and scented torrontes but nothing too flashy here. I like the herbal character on top of the orange blossom, lychee and stones. Fresh, tangy and bright on the palate with an elegant finish. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap.” 91 points, James Suckling, (4/4/23)
"The 2022 Torrontés Anko comes from the Calchaquí Valley. Yellow in color. The spicy nose features subtle hints of rose and orange blossom. The palate is indulgent and full- bodied thanks to the 14% alcohol content. The refreshing, cleansing mouthfeel precedes a flavorful finish. Drink 2023-2026.” 90 points, Vinous, (07/23)
Pairing: This Torrontés shines alongside vibrant Asian dishes such as Thai green papaya salad, Vietnamese shrimp spring rolls, or spicy Szechuan stir-fried tofu, whose fresh acidity balances the bold, spicy elements. The wine’s aromatic qualities match it for Mediterranean fare, such as grilled octopus with lemon or a light goat cheese and herb tart. For heartier dishes, pair it with Indian coconut curry or a Moroccan tagine with dried apricots and almonds, where the wine’s juicy profile enhances the exotic spices. At the same time, the elegant finish cleanses the palate.
Lazi Ji (Chongqing Chicken With Chiles)
Recipe from Fuchsia Dunlop, adapted by Ligaya Mishan
About. In the northwest corner of Argentina, the high-altitude vineyards of Estancia Los Cardones in Salta produce some of the country’s most distinctive Malbecs under the Anko label. The name Anko, meaning “high water” in the native Quechan language, perfectly encapsulates the vineyards’ unique terroir—a sanctuary of lush, thriving vines amidst the rugged, arid landscape of the Calchaqui Valley. Founded in 2008 by Fernando Saavedra Jr. and his father, this boutique winery has realized its vision of crafting powerful, structured wines in one of the world’s most extreme environments.
Often described as a land of extremes, Salta presents a dramatic backdrop for winemaking. The vineyards at Estancia Los Cardones, located at an altitude of over 5,700 feet, experience intense sunlight, a wide temperature variation between day and night, and a near absence of rainfall.
