I love highlighting wineries that are doing exceptional things and for those that have been following me for years you’ve seen recently more winery highlights and a little less fluff on my blog. Thank you for your patience, it’s been a growing journey!

For over 25 years, the Bonnie Family has owned the stunning Château Malartic-Lagravière in Léognan. Alfred and Michèle Bonnie revived the estate in 1997, and now their children, Véronique and Jean-Jacques, are carrying on the legacy. This winery, renowned since the early 19th century, is one of the elite few classified as a Grand Cru Classé in the 1953 Graves classification. But the Bonnie family’s winemaking excellence doesn’t stop at Bordeaux; they’ve also made a mark at Bodega DiamAndes in Argentina’s Uco Valley. Both estates, known for their exceptional terroirs and sustainable practices, showcase the Bonnie family’s commitment to world-class wines on both sides of the Atlantic.

My wine passion is in biodiversity and utilizing the best the earth has to offer in the region. Véronique, Jean-Jacques, and their skilled team are dedicated to preserving the estate’s ecosystem. They use agroecological practices such as minimal ploughing, animal integration (like sheep and cows), horse-drawn cultivation, and natural plant covers. These animals serve as natural alternatives to pesticides and herbicides, enhancing biodiversity. Château Malartic-Lagravière spans 73 hectares and features a delightful mix of grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon, and Sémillon. The vineyard’s unique gravel slopes give the wines their distinctive character.

The 2019 vintage was a game-changer for Château Malartic-Lagravière, with Jean-Jacques Bonnie and his team reimagining the winemaking process to achieve even higher quality wines. The latest 2023 vintage is a testament to this, boasting elegance, depth, and aromatic richness. With pure, expressive fruit and a velvety palate, the wine’s fine, silky tannins create a sleek and lively experience.

Now, across the Atlantic… 

Bodega DiamAndes in the Uco Valley has been recognized as one of the 50 World’s Best Vineyards in 2023 and is a key player in producing Clos de los Siete, the elegant and high-quality Argentine wine. The Bordeaux influence of its owners enhances DiamAndes’s wine philosophy, with a strong focus on sustainable practices and an advanced gravity flow system that optimizes the winemaking process.

At Bodega DiamAndes, wines are estate-bottled, ensuring that every bottle is crafted from their own grapes, grown and cared for on the estate. The sandy-clay soils, peppered with pebbles, are perfect for producing exceptional Malbec, Argentina’s flagship varietal. Each vineyard block receives specific care, contributing to the unique identity and balance of the final blends. They offer breathtaking architecture and design and won The Best of Wine Tourism contest in 2011!

The wines are really something special and if you get the chance they’re a must try. I will be trying the wines very soon and can’t wait to showcase them for you with some unique and delicious pairings!