The oddly named Don Cristóbal 1492 consists of a state-of-the-art 110,000-case winery and three vineyards about 13 miles south of Mendoza City in Argentina. Owned by the Lapania Vandenbalck family, the winery began operation with the 2001 harvest. Eduardo Lapania heads the 27-person operation.

We are featuring the two best and most interesting wines made at this young winery. Verdelho is a white grape best known as one of the foundations of Madeira wine. It has also had some success in Portugal and Australia, but Don Cristóbal 1492 is currently the only winery in Argentina to grow this interesting, unusual grape. Its rich floral and fruit bouquet is followed by citrus and melon flavors, balanced acidity, and a long finish. This crisp Verdelho has body, character, and balance. It is perfect as an aperitif or with cheese, fish, chicken, or turkey.