Cheese Empanadas
&
Argentinian White Wine

APERITIF IDEA: SHEEP'S CHEESE EMPANADAS

For a change from crisps and other aperitif biscuits, why not prepare empanadas with sheep's milk cheese for the aperitif? These little puff pastry, shortcrust pastry or bread dough treats are typical of Argentine cuisine and are also found in Spanish cuisine. They are also prepared in several South American countries. Empanadas can be filled with minced meat, fish, potatoes or other ingredients.

Here, the empanadas with their crispy exterior are filled with a melting sheep's cheese filling. The filling has a sweet and light flavour, with a fresh note provided by the mix of herbs (basil, chives, parsley, tarragon). If you're looking for an idea for a gourmet aperitif, these little turnovers are a must. If they are delicious as tapas, these empanadas with sheep's milk cheese are also perfect as a hot starter.

WHICH WINE TO SERVE WITH SHEEP'S CHEESE EMPANADAS?

To underline the lightness of the sheep's cheese, choose a wine with a pleasantly fresh sensation. A lively wine will be perfect to enhance the sweetness of the cheese and to balance the fat of the crispy pastry. If these sheep's milk empanadas are served as a hot starter, accompany them with a light wine so as not to weigh them down, a wine that combines simplicity and freshness. Go for a single-variety wine that will let its aromatic bouquet explode on the palate in a fruity and floral register. Without hesitation with cheese, dry white wines often win the competition between all wines.

ARGENTINIAN WHITE WINE TO ENHANCE THIS DISH

With these empanadas, it is necessary to create a perfect balance between the fat and the crispy texture of the dough. To enhance the lightness of their sheep's cheese filling, our experts recommend an Argentine white wine made from the country's emblematic grape variety: Torrontes, grown in the highlands. It is the only indigenous grape variety in Argentina. In the southwest of the province of Mendoza, the vineyards of the Uco Valley are dominated by the Andes. Here Torrontes is considered the signature of Argentine white wines. A vigorous grape variety that is resistant to the strong thermal amplitudes of the Andean plateaus, Torrontes flourishes at altitude to preserve the crispness of the fruit on the grapes. The wines produced from this variety are marked by their tenderness, suppleness and elegance. The exuberant aromas of the sun-drenched grape are felt in the mouth. An exotic touch that surprises in freshness and offers a crispy touch. All the delicacy we are looking for to enjoy our empanadas!

Please note: The Argentine Torrontes is not to be confused with the Spanish Torrontes of the same name, with which it is not closely related.

UCO VALLEY IN MENDOZA, A MUST FOR THOSE IN SEARCH OF THE BEST EXPRESSIONS OF ARGENTINE VITICULTURE

The capital of Argentine wine industry, the wine region of Mendoza covers more than 140,000 hectares, overlooked by the rocky peaks of the eternal Andean snows. A postcard setting! This province is geographically divided into five regions: Valle de Uco (Uco Valley), Este Mendocino (East Mendoza), Norte Mendocino (North Mendoza), Zona Alta del Rio Mandoza (High Mandoza River), and Sur Mendocino (South Mendoza). The second largest wine-growing sub-region in the province of Mendoza, the Uco Valley lies to the south of the city of Uco. The vineyards are generally planted at altitudes of up to around 1,450 metres.

The Uco Valley includes the departments of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos. Being close to the immense Andes mountain range, they are also surrounded by the peaks of the Cordón del Plata. This geographical location results in an exceptional climate with cold winters and large temperature ranges. This climate with low temperatures favours a slow ripening of the grapes, giving them time to develop all their aromas and to keep their freshness. In addition, the vines are irrigated by the Upper Tunuyán River. All these parameters favour the development of the full potential of the Argentine vines.

As far as grape varieties are concerned, the vineyards of the Uco Valley are planted with indigenous varieties such as the famous Torrontes, but also with European varieties. In reds, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are favoured. Renowned for producing the finest Chardonnay in the province, this sub-region is also home to other white grape varieties such as Pinot Gris, Semillon and Riesling. The Argentine white wines of this region seduce with their fruity and fresh aromas that make your mouth water. From the empanadas platter to the majestic scenery of the Andes plateau, sometimes a simple recipe is enough to travel with the flavours.