Hmm…green wine or green beer?
I opted for the green wine naturally. You may hear green wine and think Vino Verde, but that is not the only green bottle out there. Last night I had a Torrontés from local winemaker Frank Ashton, over at Downhill Winery. It is a beautiful showing of the grape – bright, crisp and floral, not to mention that it has the most delicious green tinge, making it the perfect alternative to green beer for those of us who don’t dig on food coloring. 
Although I tested my new theory that crisp whites are a perfect complement to Corned Beef – and I have to say that the Torrontés would be much better served by a plate of salty almonds, and perhaps some ceviche. I guess that is what I get for breaking my own rule about local food with local wine (but come on now – Irish wine?!?). The sweetness the meat takes on from the pickling spice just did not play well with the floral component of the wine – but hey, you live and you learn. The Torrontés would, however, be a perfect little patio sipper, and I intend to get a few more bottles to have on hand for just such an occasion.
The Torrontés grape is native to Spain, but its moment in the spotlight didn’t hit until it emigrated to Argentina where it has become wildly successful. A distant cousin of Malvesia, Torrontés shares that pretty floral characteristic, but also has a little citrusy kick that makes you long for a beach umbrella and a gorgeous stretch of coastline.