Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza

Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza is one of Argentina's most intriguing expressions of a varietal that rarely gets solo billing. Bonarda—often relegated to blending duties in Mendoza—here takes center stage as a single-varietal red that trades the grape's typical jammy weight for crunchy red fruit and an unexpected licorice streak. The combination of pleasure and freshness is unusual for Argentine reds at this price point, and it's a reminder that Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards can coax tension and brightness from varieties most producers treat as workhorses. Colonia Las Liebres farms estate vineyards in Mendoza's eastern foothills, where diurnal temperature swings preserve acidity even as the intense Andean sun ripens the fruit. Bonarda—known as Charbono in California and related to Douce Noir in Savoie—thrives in these conditions when yields are kept in check. The winery ferments in stainless steel and ages the wine briefly in neutral oak to preserve the grape's natural brightness and red-fruit character. The result is a Bonarda that drinks more like a Beaujolais cru than a typical Argentine red, with structure but no heaviness. The glass shows crunchy red fruits—think Rainier cherry and fresh strawberry—alongside a savory note of summer cherry tomatoes just off the vine. That distinctive licorice element runs through the midpalate, adding herbal intrigue without veering into confected territory. The wine has enough intensity to stand up to grilled meats, but the freshness makes it equally at home with charcuterie, roasted vegetables, or a simple margherita pizza. Serve it with a slight chill in warmer months and it becomes one of the most versatile reds in your rotation. Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza is available now at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, with local Chicago delivery and nationwide shipping.