Tinto Del Este 2022

Matias Morcos

From old pergola-trained vines in San Martin in the east of Mendoza, this is a field blend dominated mainly by the much under-rated Bonarda variety, which is not in any way related to the Italian Bonarda, but is actually Corbeau from Savoie in France. Go figure! There are moves afoot to rename the grape Bonarda de Argentina, which may or may not help it achieve the recognition it rightly deserves. Dark, medium-bodied and delicious; and like all of Matias’s wines, no oak required.

“The 2021 Tinto de Este Blend is 80% Bonarda with the remainder made up of Criolla, Syrah and Malbec from Montecaceros, San Martin, Mendoza. Purple in the glass. The aroma delivers sour cherry and hints of plum and pomegranate along with a pure hit of freshness. It’s light on the palate with a gentle grip and fruity flavour before the fresh, young finish. A thirst-quenching wine.”

91 Points, Descorchados (2021 vintage)