The 2023 Rosé del Mercado was made from Malbec grapes grown in the Lujan de Cuyo region of the Uco Valley, as were the grapes for the 2022 Torrontés del Mercado. Both wines were made with organic grapes, both clock in at 13.5% abv, both were on sale for $12 at Whole Foods Market, and both come in a big one liter bottle.
The Torrontés appears pale yellow in the glass. The nose has a floral note first, then some citrus minerality, and then a light lanolin salinity. It reminds me a bit of the seashore. The palate carries a brisk acidity and has lemon and stone fruit flavors. The pairing possibilities can reach beyond the salad range and go with risotto, shellfish, and roasted chicken.
The rosé seems to have more in common with a white wine than a red. The copper color is beautiful. Its nose displays cherry, but with a strong backbeat of citrus minerality. The palate expresses cherry and strawberry, while also bringing a lemony note to the table. The acidity is fabulous, really nice. I paired mine with lemongrass chicken and was delighted.
