Bonarda week: wines and reasons to fall in love with this strain

Carmen Ercegovich

08/02/2021 6:00 AM

• Clarín.com

• Gourmet

Updated 08/02/2021 6:00 AM

The Argentine who says he has not tried

Bonarda

must be challenged: he probably did it without knowing it.

The second most planted red grape in the country after

Malbec - a total of 18,153 hectares in 2020 - perhaps it is not as well known for its varietal wines, but it was widely used for the production of table wines in the 70s and 80s and today it is He even uses it in high-end blends. 

But, especially in the last decade, the 100% varietal Bonardas that Argentine wineries are producing well deserve to be recognized for themselves and not as good complements to a cut wine.

For this reason, with the aim of getting more consumers to know them,

from August 2 to 8, Bonarda Week is celebrated for the first time.

The initiative, promoted by the Wine Fund, seeks to promote the variety through face-to-face and virtual activities throughout the country such as

talks, courses, tastings and raffles

.

The agenda can be consulted at the IG @bonarda_argentina.

Argentina seeks to promote the consumption of Bonarda wine.

Photo: Wine Fund.

How the Argentine Bonardas evolved and why you have to try them

Since

the grape came from the hand of European immigrants

at the end of the 19th century, it spread especially in the Cuyo area, but its origin was not so clear.

For a long time it was believed that it came from the Italian Piedmont and only in 2008 a genetic analysis determined that

it was the Corbeau-Douce Noire, born in the area of ​​the French Alps.

Although technicalities are the subject of winemakers and agronomists, it is research and scientific studies that have allowed the

great leap in quality of Argentine wines of the 21st century

, and Bonarda was no exception.

Bonarda grape clusters.

This is how Roberto González, from the Nieto Senetiner Winery, one of the pioneers and specialists in the grape variety, tells it:

"Twenty years ago there was nothing written about Bonarda production techniques

, I had to develop them and learn harvest after harvest and even teach." . The experience paid off: it allowed him to elevate the variety to another category and win international awards.

The brothers Pablo and Héctor Durigutti, originally from eastern Mendoza, which concentrates most of the production of this grape, produce four different labels of the varietal, which they

export to countries such as the United States

(where they know it as Charbono), the

United Kingdom, and Brazil. and Puerto Rico.

"

We believe that the Bonarda has even more potential, it can be planted even in Jujuy,

" says Héctor.

When it comes to choosing and uncorking a Bonarda, the possibilities are many.

Sommelier Alejandro Martínez highlights its versatility: from young wines to those for aging or with aging potential, depending on the occasion.

"

Very drinkable, juicy wines, with a very good color, fruity and from the Malbec aromatic family

, although with milder alcohols, around 13.5% average," he observes.

Ideal pairing?

Picadas,

pizzas, pasta with tomato sauce, stews.

"They

go very well with everyday meals,

" says Martínez.

However, as they gain complexity and body, they can also be good companions for meats. 

Bonardas of different range and styles to know

Bonarda fence.

-Alambrado Bonarda 2019 - Bodega Santa Julia (Mendoza)

A Bonarda from Valle de Uco, for the winery's high-end line.

Average price in wine: $ 500.

Mara Bonarda 2019.

-Mara Bonarda 2019 - Bodega Mara (Mendoza)

Mara is one of Ernesto Catena Vineyards' projects in La Consulta, San Carlos.

8 months of aging in French and American oak barrels for a complex and intense Bonarda.

Price: $ 1,050.

Worker Bee Stinger, Bonarda de Catamarca.

-Worker Bee Sting - Durigutti Wines (Catamarca)

Made with grapes from a vineyard planted in 1938 in Fiambalá.

Aged for seven months in French oak.

Price: $ 710.

Goodness Small Fermentations - El Porvenir.

-Bonarda Small Fermentations - El Porvenir Winery (Salta)

Made in Valle de Cafayate, from a micro vinification project that produces only 3,400 bottles.

A fresh wine to enjoy alone or with meals.

Price: $ 2,300.

Paz Bonarda, from Finca Las Moras.

-Paz Bonarda - Finca Las Moras (San Juan)

Made with grapes from the Tulum Valley, 650 m.

Aged in barrels for 15 months, it has a potential aging of 4 years.

Price: $ 682.

-Bonarda Limited Game 2018 - Nieto Senetiner

The Bonarda icon of the winery that took the variety to the highest category.

Made with grapes from a vineyard in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, at 1,050 meters above sea level, aged in oak for 12 months and aged in bottle for 6 months.

Price: $ 3,165.

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