While I was attending a conference in Austin, Texas, Tom found a need to stop at Trader Joe’s to peruse the wine selection. He bought a dozen bottles, and this Amaicha Bonarda 2005 was one of them.
This is the first time I have tasted a wine from the Bonarda grape. It is bursting with fruit while, at the same time, dry and full of body. Very smooth on the palate with a pleasant, spicy aroma. We’ll have this with a stir-fry chicken and broccoli tonight. One might think this is too strong a wine for chicken, but because the chicken is marinating in spicy szechuan sauce, I think it will be just fine. This is a drinkable and pleasant big wine at a great price ($4.99). Nice shopping, love of my life!
Tom: This Amaicha Bonarda 2005 is quite interesting. The Bonarda grape is from the northeastern Piedmont region of Italy and is widely grown in Argentina. This wine is tannic, has a strong berry-fruit flavor, and has a strong, slightly astringent quality (as though it has strong alcohol, although it’s a normal 13%.). We always love tasting wines from South America but particularly while Tony and George are traveling there. They are in Brazil now, in Rio de Janeiro.
October 15, 2007 at 3:46 pm
I find the review of Amaicha Bonarda confusing, because you mention that you bought it at Trader Joe’s in Austin, TX. There is no Trader Joe’s in Austin.
http://www.traderjoes.com/locations.asp
ramona
May 3, 2008 at 7:27 am
yes, WOW ! A wonderful wine ! truly different, and lovely.
May 5, 2008 at 6:19 am
So glad you enjoyed it Judith! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
(Ramona — regarding your comment above, Tom purchased this wine at the Trader Joe’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan while I was away in Austin. I can see why that was confusing.)