Move over Malbec. Argentina is the planet’s fifth largest wine producer and according to recent numbers, Malbec accounts for about 39% of the red grape varieties cultivated there. So, Malbec gets most of the headlines. But I was surprised to learn that Bonarda – a red wine grape varietal that originated in the Savoie of France and is called Douce Noir there – is Argentina’s second most widely planted red grape. Expect to see more and more of it being imported and sold in this country.
I mention Bonarda because I recently came across a terrific Bonarda bang-for-the-buck. The wine is a product of the Altos Las Hormigas Terroir Project in Mendoza, Argentina, which “stems from the idea that the main creative force behind the wine is its place of origin, and not the winemaker.” In other words it’s all about the terroir, not necessarily about a gifted winemaker. Such is the case with certified organic Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda, which sells here for a very easy-on-the-wallet $10.90.
As with most Bonarda-based wines, this one is very fruity initially on the nose, with ripe aromas of plum, black cherry, blueberry, and hints of allspice and nutmeg. It’s a fairly light, easy-drinking (think: poor man’s Merlot) wine with dark fruit flavors on the tongue and notes of cinnamon and chocolate – a very quaffable red wine.
Given that Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda drinks much like a Beaujolais, I would pair it with tomato-based pasta dishes, pizza, lighter grilled meats and fish, barbecue, and even sweet/sour dishes like teriyaki. Given it’s under 11 buck price, consider stocking up on the awesome Argentine Bonarda bargain.
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THIS CONTENT IS FROM UTAH BITES NEWSLETTER.
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Originally trained as an anthropologist, Ted Scheffler is a seasoned food, wine & travel writer based in Utah. He loves cooking, skiing, and spends an inordinate amount of time tending to his ever-growing herd of guitars and amplifiers.
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