Malbec vs
Tempranillo
Which one will prevail! Two Malbecs vs Two Tempranillos.
Bonfanti Malbec
Bodega Bonfanti is a third generation family winery located in the Perdriel sub-region of Lujan de Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina. The estate dates back to 1915 when the great-grandfather purchased the Malbec vineyard. In 2005 the family completed the construction of its gravity fed, micro winery located on the property.
Vintage: 2020 Varietal: Malbec Case Production 12 pack: 2500 Alcohol Content: 13.5 Region / Location: Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza Vineyard: 20 acres planted in 1915 Altitude: 3070 Farming Practices: Sustainable Soil Type: Franco sandy soil, loam
Bottle: $17 | Glass: $7
Bodegas Iranzo “Spartico”
The wine making process without the use of sulfur means that the hygienic conditions have to been extreme during harvest season. The grapes are harvested solely by hand in small crates. Every effort is made to avoid breakage and bacteria attacks. The wine deposits are filled very briefly so as not to delay the delicate fermentation process.
All elements that come in contact with this no sulfite added wine are subject to the most extreme hygienically conditions. The vines are guided by the Gullot doble system, although the vines are not held. This system enhances the airing of the vines, avoids the emergence of cliptogamic diseases. Also, a shading cover of the vegetation avoids the direct impact of the sun on the vines.
Only Indigenous Yeasts used. Suitable for Vegans.
The beautiful artwork featured on the new label for Spartico is based on a painting by California artist Matt Murphy called “The Time it Takes.” Murphy is known for his “fascination and simplification of the vivid hues, fluid shapes and primitive life found in the high desert.” For Bodegas Iranzo, this piece of fine art captures the rugged and arid region of Utiel-Requena Spain, with its desert-like climate and beauty. The name of the painting also signifies “the time it takes” to craft quality organic wine from vineyard to glass.
Bottle: $17 | Glass: $7
Alvar de Dios “Tio Uco”
Toro is like the 1980s – big shoulder pads, teased hair, and flashy energy that seems to be chemically enhanced. It’s a DO that, in most regards, is caught in a time warp, much like that mauve and teal bathroom you’ve meant to remodel. But, having built its reputation on a style of wine that is now decidedly out of fashion, Toro is long overdue for a breath of fresh air – or fresh wine in the case of Alvar de Dios. Alvar was born and raised in the village of El Pego near the southern boundary of DO Toro. His family had tended vineyards in the village for generations, but Alvar didn’t stay in Toro to learn his trade; instead, he fell in with a pair of vinous rebels working in the Sierra de Gredos – Fernando Garcia and Dani Landi. While working as the cellar master for Fernando at Bodega Marañones, he began acquiring vineyards of his own in and around his native DO, splitting his time between the Gredos and Toro. While assembling his vineyards in Toro, Alvar became interested in the nearby and newly created DO of Arribes and the surrounding area. Officially recognized in 2007, Arribes is where the Duero becomes the Douro as it carves a steep valley out of the granitic mountains forming the border between Spain and Portugal. Here he found not only soils reminiscent of the Gredos – granitic sand with a lot of mica – but a range of indigenous varieties capable of expressing elegance and freshness.
Alvar has assembled 5 hectares from 36 separate vineyard parcels from which he makes a village wine and two parcel wines. Tio Uco In addition to his single-vineyard wines, Alvar makes wine from three plots of vines and some purchased fruit located in the northwestern part of Toro. Ranging in age from 25–40 years old, these Tempranillo and Garnacha vines are grown on a variety of sandy soils. Named Tio Uco, this wine like those from his single vineyards, is made from organically farmed grapes, fermented whole cluster with indigenous yeasts, sees only a gentle maceration with pigeage by foot, and is aged primarily in neutral French oak foudres ranging in size from 1000-3500L. Formerly pure Tempranillo, Tio Uco since the 2016 vintage includes about 10% Garnacha in the final blend.
Bottle: $25 | Glass: $11
Inkarri Limited Edition
43% Tannat, 35% Cabernet Franc, 22% Malbec. Grapes come from Nuna Vineyard, in, Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. Vinification process is very respectful to the grapes. Traditional maceration. Cold soaking is performed until the natural fermentation starts. Excraction process is very gentle, lasts about 15 days. Temperatures are controlled between 78-86ºF. Vines trained in VSP. Depending on specific soil conditions, Guyot or Cordon is used as pruning technique.
The Inkarri brand is produced by Proviva Winery, based in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina. Proviva embodies the quest for a wine identity that is both original and authentic. Their estate-grown wines are produced exclusively from organic and Biodynamic vineyards located in the best terroirs of Mendoza. The resulting varietal wines are the purest expression of the region’s outstanding calcareous soils. Organic and Biodynamic agriculture guarantee a viticulture with no inputs, where vines authentically express the character of place.
Bottle: $25 | Glass: $11