Argento Bonarda

This superb Bonarda offers an intense nose of fresh raspberries with light floral notes. Ripe red fruit flavors are combined with a touch of vanilla and lead into a soft, round finish.

Winemaking Notes

100% Bonarda
Sourced from our high altitude vineyards (1970-2300ft above sea level) in the Rivadavia region in Mendoza, Bonarda is fermented into stainless steel tanks at 77-82°C for 10-12 days. Maturations takes place for 6 months in American (70%) and French (30%) oak.

Wine Production Stats

Alcohol: 13.9%
Total Acidity: 5.2g/L
Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l
pH: 3.8

2009 Harvest Report

The winter of 2008 was quite mild compared to previous years; there was barely any frost or heavy rain. Although there was no snow at the foothills, snow and rain precipitation in the mountains ensured enough water for irrigation during spring and summer. Blooming started in late September in some areas, but generally happened in October. A minor late frost occurred in October slightly affected the yields in some areas. At the end of the spring there was some rain which consequently brought a cooling impact at the beginning of the summer; this allowed a good development of the canopy.

Summer was hot and dry; however there were some hail storms that caused damage especially in the East and South regions of Mendoza, and in Cafayate. Overall temperatures were high, and although there were wide diurnal variations, night temperature was comparatively higher than previous years. The weather stayed dry from December onwards, only one rainfall was recorded in February and there was no rain at all during harvest time. The high temperatures in autumn brought forward the beginning of harvest by one to two weeks. The dryness of the season allowed viticulturalists to plan picking rationally according to the conditions in each different wine region. Fermentations were exceptional due to the optimum condition of the grapes. Bonardas showed exceptional color and feeling in the mouth, being slightly longer than usual.

In general terms, the harvest was 20% lower than expected in quantity, 25% less compared to historical figures. But in regards to high-end grapes the amount picked was average. In general the 2009 vintage shows great aromatics, round tannins good concentration and excellent colour. Alcohol levels are slightly higher due to the high temperatures experienced by the berries. The present vintage can be compared to 2004, but is fair to say that 2009 wines show better structure and finesse.

91 Points

Wine Review Online
"Bonarda, an Italian grape, is a widely-planted variety in Argentina, although some experts suggest that the Argentine version may, in fact, be more closely related to Charbono. This is a lovely fleshy wine with gobs of fruit, big tannins and a touch of bitterness in the finish. The berry-rich flavors are a little rustic, but in spite of its big burly nature, this Bonarda finishes at a moderate 13% alcohol. Try this value wine next time you fire up the grill."
- Gerald D. Boyd (2008 vintage)
- April 6, 2010

Very Highly Recommended

Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences
"Violet aroma and a hint of anise. This grape, thought to be Charbono, here is a great early drinking, lower-tannin red."
- Dan Berger (2009 vintage)
- March 11, 2010