Zuccardi Vida Organica Bonarda 2022

The Vida Organica range from Zuccardi is farmed organically in Mendoza, and this bottling is made from Bonarda, a grape brought to Argentina by Italian emigrants in the nineteenth century that is now the second most planted red in the country. The fruit comes from the Uco Valley, a high altitude corner of Mendoza where vineyards sit well above the valley floor against the Andes. The strong sunlight ripens the Bonarda to generous fruit while the cold nights preserve acidity and freshness, and the stony alluvial soils drain freely and keep the vines in balance. This is a young wine made without oak, which keeps the fruit vivid, juicy and to the fore rather than adding wood character. It is organic and vegan. The colour is deep, bright ruby. The nose is exuberant and fruit driven, showing strawberry, black cherry and plum with a floral hint and a touch of pepper, and the palate is soft and round with ripe fruit, gentle tannins and a fresh, juicy finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled in summer. Good with grilled meats, pizza and pasta.