Tilia Bonarda – Argentina’s Other Red Grape

100% Bonarda from Mendoza, Argentina.

SRP of $10 and available for as low as $8. Sample received courtesy Winebow for review purposes.

From the bottle:

“Tilia, the Latin name for Linden, is a traditional tree in Mendoza whose flowers are used to make a relaxing herbal tea, enjoyed after a long day’s work among the vines. The choice of this historic tree to represent our wine reflects a commitment to the traditional way of life in Mendoza, where most farmers bike or walk to work and live with their families near the winery and vineyards.

Tilia is sourced from sustainably farmed family vineyards in the Eastern and Southern regions of Mendoza. Tilia Bonarda shows juicy raspberry fruit flavors and aromas with a touch of licorice and finishes with soft, round tannins.

13.5% Alcohol”

Twenty years ago Bonarda was the most planted grape in Argentina. Since that time it has been overshadowed by the huge rise in popularity of Malbec, but don’t count it out yet! Bonarda is still the second most planted grape in the country and Argentina is the biggest producer of Bonarda in the world. We’re beginning to see many more wines made from this variety exported to the U.S. and that’s a very good thing.

(To make matters confusing there are actually three different grapes in Northern Italy that all go by the Bonarda name, but they are all distinct from each other and from Bonarda in Agentina.)

The 2010 Tilia Bonarda begins with really nice aromas of red and black fruit along with lots and lots of licorice and some floral notes. Tasting the wine reveals juicy red berry fruit with some toasty edges, light minty notes, black pepper and a little vanilla. The mouthfeel of this delicious wine is smooth and soft. It ends with a nice, dry finish with that starts fruity and ends toasty. A wine that is easy to drink and quite satisfying!

Buy this wine online from our featured sponsor Marketview Liquor or see a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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