2018 Toro Bravo Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc, La Mancha, Spain (Alcohol 11.5%, Residual Sugar 9 g/l) LCBO $7.95 (750ml bottle)
Having favourably reviewed the $7.95 Toro Bravo red some months ago, I was intrigued to try out the Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc when it was first released and have tried some half-a-dozen bottles of it since, from both the previous vintage and the current offering.
In a way I actually prefer it to the red, as I have a long-standing affection for crisp Spanish whites, and am delighted to see such a value-priced example in our market as there are a dearth of them currently, something that has always confused me as I feel that they, much like the whites of Gascony, offer tremendous value you for money; neither are complicated wines, and nor are they required to be. Both, in better examples, tend to be perfectly simple, clean, enjoyable, refreshing whites with extremely expressive purity of fruit.
Pouring a pale straw in the glass, the Toro Bravo expresses subtle aromatics of honeydew melon, ripe Anjou pear, pineapple, and citrus. The palate is brisk and fresh, crispily acidic with a surprisingly full mid-palate due in no small part to the 70% Verdejo component. There’s a medium-length finish on this, as the wine ends very cleanly.
Given its immediate vibrancy it should come as no great surprise that this wine is rather versatile when in comes to pairing, but I found most success with Thai green curry, roasted pork loin, and enjoyed it greatly with some sashimi and sushi.
Like its red brother, this is a damn well-made wine for the dollars, and I’d certainly recommend you give it a shot the next time you find yourself at the LCBO.
(Four apples out of a possible five)
Toro Bravo is represented in Ontario by Dionysus Wines and Spirits
Dionysus Wines and Spirits are a Good Food Fighter.
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Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And that is a hell of a wine for $7.95
