Juicy, joyous, energetic.
Bardolino DOC is located on the shores of Lake Garda in the province of Verona and this one, from Monte del Fra is a charming blend of allowed varieties, Corvina, Rondinella and Sangiovese from a 55+ year-old-vineyard.
It is juicy and grape-y with sweet red cherry twizzlers and rose petals, cocoa, vanilla and baking spice aromas. The palate is equally fresh and bouncy but with a serious side. It's a joyous wine, charming and delicious with soft tannins.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Undressed.
 
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 27th, 2019

Second Review: October 2023
Sweet and juicy raspberry and cherry aromas are woven with roses and star anise, cinnamon, tealeaf and cocoa. It's equally juicy in the mouth; expressive berry flavours are lashed with cooca, coffee and smoked spices. Always charming.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 14th, 2023

Juicy, fragrant, charming.
Made from the trinity of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, this brilliant ruby Bardolino was constructed in stainless on the Bonomo family estate just east of Lake Garda in the Veneto, in the municipality of Sommacampagna. While Monte del Fra's Lena di Mezzo Amarone (also available in BCLS) is a knock-out, this charming red (a blend of Corvina 65%, Rondinella 35% and Sangiovese) is bouncy and quaffable.
It's truly one of my favourite drinking reds with its fragrant dewy raspberry and cherry aromas woven with rose petals, star anise and vanilla atop hints of pipe tobacco and balsamic. Juicy and joyful it's a charming red that loves a slight chill before drinking. Energetic and great value.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Undressed.
 
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 24th, 2022

Juicy, fragrant, energetic.
Made from the trinity of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, this brilliant ruby Bardolino was constructed in stainless on the Bonomo family estate just east of Lake Garda in the Veneto, in the municipality of Sommacampagna. While Monte del Fra's Lena di Mezzo Amarone (also available in BCLS) is a knock-out, this charming red (a blend of Corvina 65%, Rondinella 35% and Sangiovese) is bouncy and quaffable.
It's truly one of my favourite drinking reds with its fragrant dewy raspberry and cherry aromas woven with vanilla, candied violets, cardamon and star anise with faint cocoa and pipe tobacco. The palate is as juicy as the nose; vibrant high-toned red fruit and sweet brown spice flavours take center stage. Utterly charming and energetic with heaps of freshness; amazing value here.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Undressed.
 
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 17th, 2021

Charming, juicy, tangy.
Made from 55 year-old Corvina Veronese vines grown by the Bonomo family of Verona, this cheeky label depicts cartoon monks being lifted away by a bunch of balloons (grapes).
The wine is charming and exactly the respite needed from heavy hitting reds. Expect aromas of juicy cherry, and raspberry tea, vanilla, leather and fine sweet spices with oodles of violets. The palate is medium-bodied and juicy as heck; dried flowers, peppery fine spices, tangy red fruit and cocoa roll across the tongue. On-point balance and structure with a long, fresh finish.
A delightful food-friendly red, which loves a slight chill-down. Pair with richer fish or an antipasti platter of cheese, bread, olives and salami.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Undressed.
 
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 25th, 2016

Golden, rare, pristine.
While popular around the Veneto, and in Germany, Lugana wines are rare here.
Golden in colour it doles out aromas of acacia, yellow fruits, lemon oil, honey and pine resin. Weighty and complex, pristine and concentrated, it delivers flavours of golden apples, banana, honeydew melon and tealeaf. A very nice addition to our local wine scene.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 10th, 2019