We first discovered Bonarda the other great Argentinian Red Grape six years ago and really fell in love with it because it pairs well with many foods and has a lucious personality that we really enjoy.
While in Buenos Aires this past June we tasted a lot of wonderful Bonardos like the amazing La Florencia Bonarda from Familia Cassone in Mendoza. Unfortunately Bonarda has not gained the popularity in the US that Malbec has and they are not that easy to find. It is very popular in Argentina
We were delighted to come across this very good Bonarda called Mairena Bonardo by Familia Blanco of Mendoza Argentina.
Mairena has a beautiful purple red colour and a very present fruity bouquet with cherry and wood and a touch of leather. One reviewer sensed some burnt rubber, which we got at first too but it disappeared on decanting, which we recommend. This wine opened up nicely after an hour and drank well for a couple of days with a good sealer.
The flavors of the wine are rich, one reviewer said that it has grandmother's tart cherry pie flavors with hints of toast and vanilla and mild tobacco flavors. We got that too but would say mildly woody not tobacco.
The wine maker says "Great expression of aromas and sweet and unctuous tannins. It shows an intense and attractive purple red color. On the nose, it is highly fruity and spicy due to its contact with wood. On the palate, it shows a good attack and a long and persistent finish. It is well structured and velvety."
Mairena, a family run winery, is located near the city of Mendoza, Argentina on the higher in a tiny area called Ugarteche in Luján de Cuyo. Gabriel and Mónica Blanco, with their five sons and daughters have worked the land for decades creating "a magnificent union that exists between humankind and the fruit of the land."
They also produce a Malbec, a Sauvignon Blanc and a blend.
Other Bonardas we like include:
Familia Mayol Kaleido Vista Flores Bonarda
"Bonarda is one of the most popular and successful red grapes grown in Argentina. This fantastic wine is from the Mendoza region and gives us everything we want in a full-bodied red: spice, lush black fruit (blueberries and blackberries), and medium grip from the tannins." Astor Wines on Snooth
Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda is the latest release from Altos Las Hormigas, the Argentine winery conceived in 1995 as a joint project involving importer Marc de Grazia, superstar enologist Attilio Pagli, Le Terrazze owner Antonio Terni, Alberto Antonini of Antinori, and Antonio Moraschalchi.
Find these wines on www.vinquire.com
