Mariana Onofri has been the head sommelier and Wine Director of The Vines of Mendoza since it started in 2009 but last week we caught up with her wearing a different hat – as a winemaker. Making wines with her husband, brother and two friends, Onofri Wines is a collection of unique wine varieties and blends in Mendoza.
Amanda Barnes interviews her on a traditional variety and region of Mendoza that no-one really talks about – Pedro Ximenez and Lavalle – and they discuss tendencies in Argentina today including white blends and lighter red wine styles.
Wines we tasted with Mariana Onofri
Alma Gemela, Pedro Ximenez 2017
A fresh and bright white wine which cleans the palate and invites you to take another sip. This is made from the traditional Criolla variety which makes up over a third of Mendoza’s white wine production but is rarely used to make low-yielding, high-quality wines like this. A great aperitif wine.
Alma Gemela, Bonarda 2017
Bonarda was the most-planted red wine variety in Argentina (before Malbec took over!) and is making a comeback today in a range of styles. The style of Alma Gemela is fresh fruit, low alcohol and a vibrant fresh herb note which complements the abundance of red fruit aromas.
Zenith Nadir 2015
A complex white blend of Chardonnay, Fiano and Sauvignon Blanc, this is a well-accomplished wine that has notes of honey, blossom and citrus fruits. It is lively but deep. Excellent food wine with good structure.
Catch the full interview on our Facebook live video:
Read more on Mariana Onofri in this article on 80 Harvests.