Malbec Quickies

Welcome to our world news roundup:
-New York Times Style Magazine (link here) goes deep into the most historic Buenos Aires' barrios (neighborhoods) and gives us very good tips not found in mainstream travel books.  If you like photography don't miss some truly great pictures.

"...Forget the martini bars and sushi joints. The real Buenos Aires resides in its bodegones, neighborhood restaurants steeped in what it means to be argentine..." (or "porteño" I would add). 

Wine reviews:
-2006 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec
-Chakana Yaguareté Collection Malbec 2009
-Chakana Reserva Malbec 2008, Chakana Yaguaraté Collection Bonarda 2009, and Patagonia Pinot Noir by Familia Schroeder. After my post yesterday about argentinian bonarda take a look at the review for the Chakana Bonarda. From Michael Pinkus, the Grape Guy.

Grapes Varieties Planted in Argentina

The graphic is in spanish but you can see the percentages of the grapes varieties planted in Argentina.
What it's interesting is the number next to the Bonarda grape (known as "Charbono" in the US). Argentina and some wineries in Northern California are producing delicious wines with this grape.
Bonarda is somewhat similar to malbec, but it is characterized by a low tannic concentration. And usually the alcohol content is lower than malbecs, at around 13%. A dark wine, almost opaque purple color with a distinctive aroma of plums, black pepper and old leather. A full-bodied palate with well-integrated tannins give it a rich texture and long finish.

A good analysis by Daniel Pi, a well known argentinian winemaker:

"...Bonarda exports began some six years ago. Before that, few people understood that it was a good variety. When it is well-treated, as Malbec is treated, achieving an appropriate ripening, with a good winemaking process, it produces wines of soft tannins, with lots of strawberry aromas. It is a variety whose optimal ripening point occurs towards the end of the season, with 13.5 degrees..."

Source "Cuenca Rural"