Shiraz/Viogner blends

Thanks for all the responses. I'll give them a try.

Take care,
DCWC

DCWineChick in Wine

Shiraz/Viogner blends

looking for an inexpensive SV blend...any suggestions?

DCWineChick in Wine

Bonarda

Hi RichardA,
Funny how some wines remain relatively unknown. My friend C.W. loves Bonarda. I tease him about this because he insists it's a Chilean Cabernet. Which got me to thinking...why isn't it more popular?

I was introduced to Bonarda a couple of years ago, while strolling through Adams Morgan; it was a lovely day and I was in the mood for something different. When I asked the shopkeeper to recommend a new wine, he handed me an inexpensive red, suggesting the 100% Bonarda was somewhere between a Merlot and a red Zinfandel. I should go back and thank him. Not only was it as smooth as a Merlot - with tons of dark fruit and bits of chocolate - it had a touch of vanilla and spice to bring out more complexity and a fills-your-mouth-with-flavor finish. Still, I can't seem to find any sort of comprehensive description of the wine or grape, save for Wikipedia. Even then it's a rather non-descript page that simply refers to the different grape names.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a similar wine at a small wine bar in Maryland. Perhaps Bonarda is finally getting the recognition it deserves. This time it was from Alma Negra (Argentina) and blended with 20% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc. It had the same long finish and maybe a bit more acidity - but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps I'll go back and pick up a bottle. I'm sure it could hold its own against steak or rack-of-lamb.

Take care.

DCWineChick in Wine