Santa Julia Reserve Bonarda

Cold weather has me reaching for the Malbec more than usual and this one’s a gem. From one of my favourite producers, the Zuccardi family, this is made from grapes grown in the southern Uco Valley region south of Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza. Vineyards lie in the foothills of the Andes so altitude is a big influencing factor, with hot days and cool nights. When done well the resulting wines are stuffed with pure fruit flavours and freshness. This one’s made from (mostly) the Bonarda grape, so we’re talking lots of plum fruit flavours. Spice too. Gorgeous, especially with sausages.