All it took was a lime. Someone dropped a lime wheel into a glass of New Age White, an Argentine wine noted for its gardenia and jasmine nose, peachy palate and a slight sparkle. It's derived mostly from native torrontés grapes, smooth-flavored and mildly acidic.
The lime-dropper may or may not have worked at Bodega Valentin Bianchi vineyards, but the resulting drink, tincho, borrows its owner's childhood nickname. The tincho quickly became one of the trendiest drinks in Argentina, and I stumbled on it at the Red Fish Grill this week.
I popped into the Ralph Brennan property for lunch, and was surprised by their ambitious wine list, and their shorter offerings of specialty cocktails. They include a variation on the Dark and Stormy and a pineapple mojito, as well as their version of the tincho, this one with an intriguing float of St. Germain.
Nathan Riemer made one for me, building it in the glass, and the full floral complexity - brought on by blossoming elderflower - comes through near the finish. It's a chilled, refreshing bouquet brought to us by the country that sent over malbec and the tango, and just as vibrant and dramatic.
Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon, 598.1200
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