2023 'The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree' Bonarda, Matias Riccitelli

Old Vines, New Tricks

Deep, dark and wonderfully polished, this is Bonarda with far more class and character than many expect. Ripe red and black fruit rise from the glass first, think dark cherry, blackberry and plum, followed by a flicker of mint and a gentle layer of chocolate that adds warmth and depth. The palate is smooth and generous, with plenty of juicy fruit at its core, but there is freshness here too, which keeps the wine lively and finely balanced. Ripe tannins give it shape, the texture stays supple and composed, and the finish carries on with lovely ease and quiet confidence.

For when: the food is hearty, the company is relaxed, and the bottle needs to overdeliver.
Pairs with: grilled meats, smoky sausages, tomato-rich dishes, or mushroom-led plates with plenty of depth.
If this wine were a place: a warm evening in Mendoza, with mountain air, glowing light and the scent of something delicious on the grill.

Matias Riccitelli has built a reputation for making Argentine wines with energy, personality and a real sense of place, often shining a light on older vineyards and less obvious varieties. This Bonarda comes from 60-year-old vines in Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, where altitude, cool nights and naturally low yields help give the wine its concentration, freshness and poise. That old-vine pedigree is the real hook here, bringing extra depth and character to a grape that, in the right hands, can be both generous and seriously refined.