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Bonarda Reserva, Nieto Senetiner, Argentina
Grape: 100% Bonarda. What is Bonarda? Well, it used to be the most widely-planted red varietal in Argentina, but now is second to Malbec. It is late-maturing, and can produce young and fresh wines, or deeper, more concentrated wines - depending, in part, on vine age. Its exact origins are controversial, to say the least. I have yet to find an explanation of that contentiousness nearly as fun as the cartoon boards (pictured) from this post at Hawk Wakawaka Wine Reviews.
Wine: The Bonarda Reserva is made from 40 year old vines from Lujan du Cuyo in Mendoza. Farming and wine-making both follow sustainable principles, minimizing intervention. The wine is a mouth-filler, with heavier notes of fig, tobacco, walnut, coffee, leather, chocolate, & dark cherry. It drinks easily, but has staying power. Great with- or without- food. Try it with aged Gouda, cured meats, or our soft polenta.
Fun Fact: Not only does great wine come from Lujan de Cuyo, but famed tango singer, Oscar Serpa, also originates from the ciudad.
Listen: learn more here.
