Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: 30% Bonarda, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet, 15% Malbec
Body: Lighter
Year: 2016
Alcohol: 13.8%
Price point: $12
Year Reviewed: 2018
So two major learning points here with this red blend:
- Read about Zolo wines and how long they have been around
http://www.vinodelsol.com/thewineries/zolo.html
- Learn about a new grape called Bonarda
http://winefolly.com/update/move-over-malbec-bonarda-is-argentina/
ZOLO
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
“Genuinely Excellent Wines” -Stephen Tanzer
Zolo is one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Zolo selects grapes from estate vineyards in Agrelo and Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker), the vineyard manager is Carlos Correas, and the President and owner is Patricia Ortiz.
The purpose of the winery’s Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves and Zolo Blacks, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to “blow your hat off.”
Zolo has been a leading Argentine brand since 2004, and is estate-grown & sustainably-farmed.
http://www.vinodelsol.com/thewineries/zolo.html
Grown at the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza Argentina still 3200 feet in elevation, this interesting clear ruby wine is sustainably farmed. All grapes are harvested by hand to pick at the “right” time. This wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12 days and then aged 6 months in French and American Oak. Aromas of menthol, mint, violets, and cherries are prevalent. This lighter style red blend is simply easy to drink and would be a nice crowd pleaser for a party. Being quite high in acidity, this wine would pair well with spice such as a red pepper gnocchi recipe, rich grilled fish such as spiced up salmon or teriyaki chicken. On the palate, you should receive a juicy taste of cherry, strawberry, (fresh red fruits), allspice and red licorice with a mildly tannic finish where the pepper comes through. Just a nice easy drinking red blend for a decent price.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/gnocchi-with-chicken-sausage-bell-pepper-fennel