Wine of the week: Alfredo Roca Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc

Four generations of the Roca family have been in business since 1979. They make 12 different varieties of wines from four different organically grown vineyards.

San Rafael, the oasis of Mendoza, is in sight of the snow-capped Andes, and like nearly all producers in Mendoza, the Rocas irrigate their 260 acres of vineyards from Andean snow melt. Here, the air is quite dry and the sun is very intense. Daytime temperatures are hot, while the evenings are nearly desert-like cool. This great variation between temperatures permits a very slow, even ripening of the grapes, which is reflected in the intense colors, aromatics and flavors that characterize Alfredo Roca's wines.

Their Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc blend is great for people looking for something on the lighter side. It is a 70-percent Chenin, 30-percent Chardonnay blend with peach notes from the Chenin and very good mineral and mouthfeel from the Chardonnay.

Generally sells for less than $15 a bottle, and pairs nicely with turkey or ham.