tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789758153770792359.post4640120741280998210..comments2023-07-01T05:12:00.395-04:00Comments on Fringe Wine: Bonarda - Mendoza, ArgentinaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13842826321707777829noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789758153770792359.post-26491815281485385172011-02-21T19:58:16.378-05:002011-02-21T19:58:16.378-05:00BTW, there are some vineyards that have been allow...BTW, there are some vineyards that have been allowed to change the name of their plants from Bonarda to Corbeau. Jean Bousquet is one of the here in San Rafael, Mendoza.Gavilan Vineyardshttp://www.gavilanvineyards.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789758153770792359.post-65733684612061469912011-02-21T19:56:16.358-05:002011-02-21T19:56:16.358-05:00At Gavilan Vineyards in San rafael, Mendoza, we ar...At Gavilan Vineyards in San rafael, Mendoza, we are making a premium "Bonarda".<br />To clear the subject a little. There was DNA testing done on 'Bonarda' rootstock and compared to what was previously thought to have been North Italian Bonarda. The result was it had very little markers with those roots yet then further tested, it had exceptional markers with Corbeau from France. <br />Thereto you need to understand the immigration structure of Argentina. Lots of Italians immigrated in the 18hundreds and 9hundreds. But also may many French came during that time. Both groups bringing many different vines with them. The city we are, San Rafael, was founded by French immigrants. <br />It is reasonable to believe that Bonarda in Argentina is in fact Corbeau from France. <br />HOWEVER, and I am writing that in capital letters, the vines have found their own home here and in fact have very little to do with any of their origin roots stock. A Corbeau from France tasts largely differnt than a Bonarda from Argentina. One of the main reasons why Bonarda Argentina, as we like to call it, is the second highest planted vine in Argentina. Second to Malbec, also a French grape. Same as Bonarda (Corbeau) Malbec grows poorly in France yet produces excellent in Argentina's climate.<br />Enjoy a Bonarda. They are super rich in color, if you get one that is you can see through, don't buy it again. Your glass should be deep deep purple or blood red (depending on age). The flavors are intense and a good Bonarda will have strong tanins.Gavilan Vineyardshttp://www.gavilanvineyards.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789758153770792359.post-84389784411551353732011-01-26T12:34:40.459-05:002011-01-26T12:34:40.459-05:00I love the topic of this blog. Let’s get the word ...I love the topic of this blog. Let’s get the word out about some of these more “obscure” varietals! <br /><br />Bonarda is one of my favorite wines, and considering how big it is in Argentina, I'm always surprised how few people have heard of it. <br /><br />Adding to the difficulty in pinning this varietal down are the varying opinions on where this grape actually comes from. The consensus seems to be that it has its origins in Piedmont, but some have speculated that its roots were first in Sovoie, France, and that it was then transported to Piedmont, where it began to gain its prestige. <br /><br />Comprising both Malbec tones and Merlot “fatness,” and Syrah “gaminess,” it’s a wine that ranges from being slighter-bodied with fruit flavors, light tannins, and moderate acidity, to being big, dense and tannic with dried fruit and even chocolate (in older vines), and especially when oak aged. <br /><br />Great article.<br /><br />Paul Kalemkiarian<br />President, Wine of the Month Club<br />http://www.wineofthemonthclub.comPaul Kalemkiarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05914528522729371035noreply@blogger.com