2019 Durigutti Bonarda Clasico Red, Mendoza, Argentina
92 Points, James Suckling
Tasting Notes
Hector and Pablo Durigutti have long been passionate about the potential of Bonarda in Argentina and consistently craft some of the best examples produced in Mendoza. This wine stands out amongst its peers due to the use of low yielding, late-picked fruit. We’ve found this a surprisingly perfect pairing with Italian-American cuisine – Think lasagne, spaghetti and meatballs, manicotti….
Perfumed aromas of violets, blackberries, blackcurrants and wild herbs. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Concentrated and chewy with a savory, saline finish. Drink or hold. – James Suckling
Specs
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Bonarda
Origin: Argentina
Appellation: 65% Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo and 35% Rivadavia, Mendoza
Elaboration: Native yeast fermentation. Aged in stave-studded cement tanks (first use American oak) for 10 months. Unfined and unfiltered.
Alcohol: 14%
TA: 5.26 g/l
pH: 3.7
Residual Sugar: 2.5g/l
Production: 4,200 cases
Winemakers: Hector and Pablo Durigutti
What’s Included
6-bottles:
6x 2019 Durigutti Bonarda Clasico Red, Mendoza, Argentina
Case:
12x 2019 Durigutti Bonarda Clasico Red, Mendoza, Argentina
Hector and Pablo were born in Mendoza, the cradle of wine and were raised together. Their childhood and their home were always connected to a sensorial world, with aromas, ingredients, and flavors that, over time, motivated them to choose the path to become enologists. As adults, they would find these familiar memories and similar passions. Since 2002 they have been dedicated to their project as a small family winery. Today the brothers have evolved to form the new generation of winemakers, leading an evolutionary change in Argentina’s viticulture. With that same spirit, the Durigutti brothers craft their wines and have started to write their own history, a family legacy, in a chosen place where they live and work daily with dedication.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
The BUFF: Dark magenta/violet color, dark fruits and spice on the nose that carry to palate, adding some tannins from either oak treatment or skins. Overall medium body and dry finish. No fruit bomb or even a specific fruit I could detect here.
Despite my proven in-ability do to a proper Lab Rat, somehow I managed the Charlie Bucket Golden Ticket again.
Perhaps, because I responded to a recent poll on what regions I’d like to see offers from; but to that I responded South Africa, not South America. Another possibility, the Lab Rat bottle from Alice arrived before the email notification, when I still could have begged off and offered this to a more worthy palate than mine.
But here we are, and what the heck is Bonarda, never heard of it, at least by that name. Seems it has a bit of history with a tad bit of name confusion built in as well. Douce noir, Corbeau? Nope, nope. Ahhh, Charbono seems to be the chosen name here in the US of A; that one I’ve heard of, and despite having a few bottles, have yet to pull a cork on one. And speaking of closures, this one has a Diam² with less than 2mm penetration. So, almost totally new territory for me.
I’m not a Southern Hemisphere consumer. All of 1.3% from south of the equator and 0.2% from Argentina, all from Mendoza, and I’ve not been particularly kind to those I’ve consumed; perhaps just poor choices, but others have been ~90% positive on those bottles, so ymmv.
Arrived, with affixed CM sticker, in styro, Friday morning at work. At least Alice knows without asking where to ship, and work, thankfully, tolerates deliveries.
Pulled the cork at room temp when I got home and poured a small glass while the bottle went into the fridge. Modern RT is not where this wants to be consumed. After a bit of a chill paired it with some leftover chicken in white sauce pasta. Not a great choice, as the wine overwhelmed the pasta. The acidity, while not bracing, did a commendable job of clearing out the creaminess and kept things clean and fresh.
Saturday night was more leftovers. Some of that leftover rib eye I had with the Ardente last week. Much better choice, but comparing this 2019 with a 1997 is a bit unfair. So while this Bonarda/Charbono worked with the lighter fare, this is clearly it’s calling for me. Good fruit/acid/tannin balance and both showed well when poured at a more proper cellar temp of ~15/58.
Sunday was a mishmash of Japanese/Asian selections. Not my choice but even a suggestion of some alternative was met with open hostility from swmbo; “I’m cooking, you’re eating” was the rather succinct reply. Saba, nasu, kinpura, gyoza/mandu. Avoid these… So, better tasted after supper.
Sweets? Does ok with chocolate cake like things.
Over the three days, corked on the counter Friday/Saturday, and corked in the cellar Saturday/Sunday I found it a bit surprising there really wasn’t much of a change in profile at all. But it does seem more sensitive to temperature than I’d expect.
Too cold and there is no nose to speak of and minimal fruit; just a tartness.
Too warm, ~20/68, and there is an unpleasant ethanol bite, despite the modest listed 13.9% AbV.
Overall a pretty simple very young bottle that doesn’t require much contemplation and is quite adequate as a somewhat hardy weekday red for which I have absolutely no clue of how it may cellar.
@rjquillin Don’t really know if there are high end versions but in my way back wine days we schlepped a few bottles of Bonarda around this price point and they were generally serviceable.
@kaolis@rjquillin I remember a few years back when a local wine store somehow snagged a bunch of Trapiche Broquel Bonarda that they were selling for $3/bottle or $30/case. I think these might have been just past their ideal drinking point, but at those prices it was insane!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2019 Durigutti Argentinian Red Wine - $30 = 21.42%
Perfumed aromas of violets, blackberries, blackcurrants and wild herbs. It’s medium- full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Concentrated and chewy with a savory, saline finish. Drink or hold.
Unexpected doorbell…it’s UPS…and excitement at the sight of the telltale box – thanks Casemates, what a great surprise for the weekend!
This Durigutti is the first Bonardo we’ve had and a fun tasting adventure. Bottle was quite warm after delivery so let it rest and cool off for a day. Pop and pour, it had strong alcohol on the nose that followed with equally pronounced tart cherry. Beautiful deep red-purple color of a young wine. On the first, and second tasting a couple of hours later, it had a bright acidity and strong tannins, medium body. The tart cherry nose followed through in the tasting, not sweet. Homemade bread with some Sardinian sheep’s milk cheese, gorgonzola, and other snacks to go with the wine. The fat from the cheese/olive oil and acidity of the wine paired very well. Seems to need the fat to round out the flavors. Really enjoyed our first couple of glasses. Corked it and tried again on day 2. Tasted great the second day. The astringency from the tannins mellowed slightly but the bright tart cherry remained.
To have a little of a comparison we went through our wine cabinet and found a 2013 Corona Aragon Garnacha we bought from casemates a few months back. Remembered this had tannins that might be like the Durigutti. The Aragon is a completely different wine, but we hoped it could be a benchmark for casemates people. The tannins in the Aragon and Durigutti seemed similar. The Durigutti is brighter, younger, more tart. The Aragon seemed slightly musty, more complex and balanced in comparison. We do really like the Durigutti – makes me want to serve next to a picanha, Bo Ssam, or with some creamy cheeses and charcuterie plate. Definitely in for a case at this price…
@birdbrains great write up! What are your thoughts on that Garnacha? Random thread hijack - I bought that on the string reviews and I really thought is was just… well… not the best.
Huh! Aka douce noir, aka charbono. I’m out of room, but I like me some charbono since Randall Grahm sold me some a few decades back. Sold (South) American!
This sounds like a solid weekday wine. I am out of room, probably because I gave up weekday wine drinking (replaced by whiskey). I may have to rethink this strategy.
@GatorFL Working my way through some rum this week, actually. I’ve fallen in love with this 15-year old Barbancourt rum from Haiti. Might have to work my way through a second bottle though I try to switch things out to get a variety.
Bourbon-wise, I’m loving Uncle Nearest which was brought to my attention by someone else on this site.
@tastebud There was a widespread Comcast outage in the West Palm area where I live so mercifully, I did not see the game. Thank God for small miracles.
Mullen has lost twice to KY, a team we had not lost to in decades, so it’s time for him to go.
@GatorFL OMG !!! snort! that’s both awful and perfect!!! Sorry you missed the game… with ND and OR AND y’all losing, it was a great day for college football. and of course TN scored as much in one day as I think they did all last year
Had a bottle of this over a spaghetti dinner with some neighbors. Everyone enjoyed it, and “excellent pizza wine” has been written on the case to remind me to chill a bottle before we order pies.
2019 Durigutti Bonarda Clasico Red, Mendoza, Argentina
92 Points, James Suckling
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$203.88/Case at Familia Durigutti for 2019 Durigutti Bonarda Clasico Red, Mendoza, Argentina
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Oct 25 - Thursday, Oct 28
Durigutti Argentinian Red Wine
6 bottles for $69.99 $11.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $109.99 $9.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2019 Durigutti Bonarda
The BUFF: Dark magenta/violet color, dark fruits and spice on the nose that carry to palate, adding some tannins from either oak treatment or skins. Overall medium body and dry finish. No fruit bomb or even a specific fruit I could detect here.
Despite my proven in-ability do to a proper Lab Rat, somehow I managed the Charlie Bucket Golden Ticket again.
Perhaps, because I responded to a recent poll on what regions I’d like to see offers from; but to that I responded South Africa, not South America. Another possibility, the Lab Rat bottle from Alice arrived before the email notification, when I still could have begged off and offered this to a more worthy palate than mine.
But here we are, and what the heck is Bonarda, never heard of it, at least by that name. Seems it has a bit of history with a tad bit of name confusion built in as well. Douce noir, Corbeau? Nope, nope. Ahhh, Charbono seems to be the chosen name here in the US of A; that one I’ve heard of, and despite having a few bottles, have yet to pull a cork on one. And speaking of closures, this one has a Diam² with less than 2mm penetration. So, almost totally new territory for me.
I’m not a Southern Hemisphere consumer. All of 1.3% from south of the equator and 0.2% from Argentina, all from Mendoza, and I’ve not been particularly kind to those I’ve consumed; perhaps just poor choices, but others have been ~90% positive on those bottles, so ymmv.
Arrived, with affixed CM sticker, in styro, Friday morning at work. At least Alice knows without asking where to ship, and work, thankfully, tolerates deliveries.
Pulled the cork at room temp when I got home and poured a small glass while the bottle went into the fridge. Modern RT is not where this wants to be consumed. After a bit of a chill paired it with some leftover chicken in white sauce pasta. Not a great choice, as the wine overwhelmed the pasta. The acidity, while not bracing, did a commendable job of clearing out the creaminess and kept things clean and fresh.
Saturday night was more leftovers. Some of that leftover rib eye I had with the Ardente last week. Much better choice, but comparing this 2019 with a 1997 is a bit unfair. So while this Bonarda/Charbono worked with the lighter fare, this is clearly it’s calling for me. Good fruit/acid/tannin balance and both showed well when poured at a more proper cellar temp of ~15/58.
Sunday was a mishmash of Japanese/Asian selections. Not my choice but even a suggestion of some alternative was met with open hostility from swmbo; “I’m cooking, you’re eating” was the rather succinct reply. Saba, nasu, kinpura, gyoza/mandu. Avoid these… So, better tasted after supper.
Sweets? Does ok with chocolate cake like things.
Over the three days, corked on the counter Friday/Saturday, and corked in the cellar Saturday/Sunday I found it a bit surprising there really wasn’t much of a change in profile at all. But it does seem more sensitive to temperature than I’d expect.
Too cold and there is no nose to speak of and minimal fruit; just a tartness.
Too warm, ~20/68, and there is an unpleasant ethanol bite, despite the modest listed 13.9% AbV.
Overall a pretty simple very young bottle that doesn’t require much contemplation and is quite adequate as a somewhat hardy weekday red for which I have absolutely no clue of how it may cellar.
There’s a bit left for tomorrow…
@rjquillin After seeing the pricing structure from WD, imo this is well worth the tariff if you have the space. Looks to be $17 from the importer.
@rjquillin Don’t really know if there are high end versions but in my way back wine days we schlepped a few bottles of Bonarda around this price point and they were generally serviceable.
@kaolis @rjquillin I remember a few years back when a local wine store somehow snagged a bunch of Trapiche Broquel Bonarda that they were selling for $3/bottle or $30/case. I think these might have been just past their ideal drinking point, but at those prices it was insane!
@rjquillin Thanks for the fun & detailed review. Now I want some chocolate cake
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2019 Durigutti Argentinian Red Wine - $30 = 21.42%
and what sayeth Mr. Suckling?
Perfumed aromas of violets, blackberries, blackcurrants and wild herbs. It’s medium- full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Concentrated and chewy with a savory, saline finish. Drink or hold.
Unexpected doorbell…it’s UPS…and excitement at the sight of the telltale box – thanks Casemates, what a great surprise for the weekend!
This Durigutti is the first Bonardo we’ve had and a fun tasting adventure. Bottle was quite warm after delivery so let it rest and cool off for a day. Pop and pour, it had strong alcohol on the nose that followed with equally pronounced tart cherry. Beautiful deep red-purple color of a young wine. On the first, and second tasting a couple of hours later, it had a bright acidity and strong tannins, medium body. The tart cherry nose followed through in the tasting, not sweet. Homemade bread with some Sardinian sheep’s milk cheese, gorgonzola, and other snacks to go with the wine. The fat from the cheese/olive oil and acidity of the wine paired very well. Seems to need the fat to round out the flavors. Really enjoyed our first couple of glasses. Corked it and tried again on day 2. Tasted great the second day. The astringency from the tannins mellowed slightly but the bright tart cherry remained.
To have a little of a comparison we went through our wine cabinet and found a 2013 Corona Aragon Garnacha we bought from casemates a few months back. Remembered this had tannins that might be like the Durigutti. The Aragon is a completely different wine, but we hoped it could be a benchmark for casemates people. The tannins in the Aragon and Durigutti seemed similar. The Durigutti is brighter, younger, more tart. The Aragon seemed slightly musty, more complex and balanced in comparison. We do really like the Durigutti – makes me want to serve next to a picanha, Bo Ssam, or with some creamy cheeses and charcuterie plate. Definitely in for a case at this price…
@birdbrains great write up! What are your thoughts on that Garnacha? Random thread hijack - I bought that on the string reviews and I really thought is was just… well… not the best.
@pete0744 seems hit or miss, we’ve used it as a we don’t want think much about it choice and hope for the best
@birdbrains @pete0744 I think I found I had to air mine a bit, but I’m still finding a way to get it to be less closed off…
@birdbrains @bunnymasseuse @pete0744
You’re speaking of the Aragon here, correct?
And not the current offer…
@birdbrains Thanks for the rattage. Interesting Aragon comparison
@birdbrains @pete0744 @rjquillin that’s correct, I was not a rat for this current offer.
Fwiw at this price point if you have some space this is a case of fantastic pizza wine. It really has wonderful acidity and is super easy to drink.
@pete0744 yes, definitely easy drinking and would be great with pizza, lasagna, nachos, etc
Sold! Split with a local at my “SaturdaySupperClub” crew…
/giphy illustrious-functional-cherry
Huh! Aka douce noir, aka charbono. I’m out of room, but I like me some charbono since Randall Grahm sold me some a few decades back. Sold (South) American!
This sounds like a solid weekday wine. I am out of room, probably because I gave up weekday wine drinking (replaced by whiskey). I may have to rethink this strategy.
@lionel47 Whatcha got? I’ve got a bunch of bourbon over here.
@GatorFL Working my way through some rum this week, actually. I’ve fallen in love with this 15-year old Barbancourt rum from Haiti. Might have to work my way through a second bottle though I try to switch things out to get a variety.
Bourbon-wise, I’m loving Uncle Nearest which was brought to my attention by someone else on this site.
@GatorFL hello, I came all the way back here to hijack this comment and say hello and ask how you enjoyed the game
@tastebud There was a widespread Comcast outage in the West Palm area where I live so mercifully, I did not see the game. Thank God for small miracles.
Mullen has lost twice to KY, a team we had not lost to in decades, so it’s time for him to go.
I thought this was hilarious:
@GatorFL OMG !!! snort! that’s both awful and perfect!!! Sorry you missed the game… with ND and OR AND y’all losing, it was a great day for college football. and of course TN scored as much in one day as I think they did all last year
@tastebud LOL. Saturday is a new day. One of my best friends, her son is a Vandy player.
Had a bottle of this over a spaghetti dinner with some neighbors. Everyone enjoyed it, and “excellent pizza wine” has been written on the case to remind me to chill a bottle before we order pies.
Had more with pizza last night. Yep, it has found its niche.