Alamos Bonarda 2024

Alamos Bonarda comes from Mendoza, in the Cuyo region at the centre of Argentina, and is made within the Catena Zapata stable. Bonarda is the country's second most planted grape after Malbec and thrives in this high desert climate, where vineyards sit well above sea level. The altitude brings a wide swing between hot days and cold nights, a diurnal range that slows ripening and locks in colour, fresh acidity and deep fruit while the grapes reach full sugar under the intense sun. Low rainfall and irrigation from Andean meltwater keep the vines healthy and concentrated. The wine is aged six months in French oak barrels, enough to round the tannins and add a layer of vanilla and cocoa without masking the fruit. The colour is dense violet-red. The nose leads with ripe plum and red berries, black pepper and a savoury earthy note. The palate is full and supple, the fruit generous and the tannins soft, finishing on spice and gentle oak. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is a natural match for grilled red meat, the Argentine asado being the obvious home.