2008 Colonia Las Liebres Mendoza Bonarda
Never heard of Bonarda?? You are not alone. But, go find this one and expand your palate!
Bonarda is an ancient red wine grape from Italy's Piedmont region. There is some debate as to whether Argentina's Bonarda grape is of the same varietal or just shares the same moniker as its Italian counterpart. Either way, Bonarda was, until recently, the most widely planted wine grape in Argentina. Today it takes second place to the Malbec grape. Despite the numbers, it has not traditionally been used to produce "varietal wines". It has traditionally been used for bulk production of "table wines" - though there are some notable and outstanding exceptions.
Bonarda wines can be lighter-bodied and fruity, full of cherry and plum flavors. However with concentrated fruit from older vines, Bonardas can also be big and full-bodied wines with deep color and raisin characteristics.
The Colonia Bonarda on the nose gives you scents of licorice, black and red fruits and hints of bacon (yes, bacon). It tastes of black licorice, black pepper and lots of cherries and plums. It also has hints of smokiness and, again, bacon (look for it). This is a fabulous wine for a $9.00 price tag! So next time you visit your local wine store, skip the Cabs, Shiraz, Pinots, and Zins for once and grab a Colonia Bonarda from Argentina. You won't be disappointed!
Posted by thewinemonologues.com at 11/3/2009 8:42 AM 
Categories: Bonarda
Tags: Whoa. . . another new varietal!
Categories: Bonarda
Tags: Whoa. . . another new varietal!
Where can I find this wine? Sounds outstanding and I can't wait to try it!
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Chris
I got it at The Village Corner in Ann Arbor. I believe though, that Holiday Market in Canton also carries it. Give it a shot. I think you will enjoy it.
Mike
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