What a delicious wine blend of Malbec and Bonarda is this 2016 Santa Julia Tintillo. But then you might ask, “Isn’t a lot of Malbec wine coming from Argentina?” To which I’d say, “Sure, but how many of them are also blended with Bonarda?” For the most part, gotcha, because you hear “Malbec” and not think very much about the Bonarda, after you heard (or read) “Malbec.”
For me, it’s the Bonarda that makes this wine so special; this unusual twist to a usual Malbec is what’s so intriguing. Bonarda in Argentina, much like Petite Sirah in the US, is an underdog variety, so we haven’t heard very much about it, unless you’re a SOMM. That said, I know extremely well what a joy Petite is, and I’ve now tasted a Bonarda, blended with Malbec. The 2016 Santa Julia Tintillo is a very opulent red wine, just right for any foods calling for a red wine. Its fun, contemporary label will draw you in; the wine’s flavors will keep you in-volved.
Santa Julia has called this blend Tintillo. Its dark violet color, with rich, blackberry flavors, and soft, supple tannins have created a wine that’s solid for many more years to come, but who is storing much wine these days? I’d go with a scrumptious beef dish, and call it a day.
Imported by Winesellers, Ltd., they’ve recommend that this wine is ideally served chilled between 46 – 56 degrees. This something that I like to do with reds, when I take the time to think about it. I like my wines served as if we’ve pulled them from a wine barrel, being aged in wine caves. Most wine caves are naturally 55 degrees. That’s a perfect storage condition yielding perfect tasting wines.
There seems to be a difference of opinion out there about where Bonarda originated. (Is it France, is it Italy?) Bottom line is that it’s doing really well in Argentina, so that’s enough for me right now. Both grapes varieties have beautifully adapted to their South American plantings. Winemaker Sebastian Zuccardi struggles to tend to them. Simply put, Bonarda’s a bit more high maintenance than its happy-go-lucky counterpart.
About Santa Julie Winery ~ From Winesellers, Ltd
Julia exists; she is real. Julia is the only daughter of José Zuccardi, current director of Familia Zuccardi winery. Created in her honor, Santa Julia represents the Zuccardi Family’s commitment to achieve the highest quality levels through sustainable practices, contributing to protect the environment and to develop the community.
Founded in the early 1990s, Santa Julia is one of the emblematic Argentine wine brands, both in Argentina and around the world. Santa Julia is a combination of the quality and diversity of the Mendoza land, which produces modern wines. Santa Julia produces a diverse range of grape varieties : the classics include Malbec, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also other rather unique varieties such as such as Viognier, Pinot Grigio and Tempranillo.
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