Malbec Y Bonarda Seleccion Prodigo (2023) - El Hijo Prodigo

In the heart of the Mendoza region, the El Hijo Prodigo winery has a fascinating story linked to its Malbec Y Bonarda Seleccion Prodigo. Founded by a group of passionate young winemakers, the estate has chosen to honour Argentinian tradition with a touch of innovation. One curious detail concerns the name "El Hijo Prodigo", inspired by the parable of the prodigal son, a symbol of returning to one's roots and celebrating local culture. The combination of Malbec and Bonarda, two grape varieties emblematic of Argentina, is a tribute to the diversity and richness of the Mendoza terroir.

The appellation: IG Mendoza

IG Mendoza is one of the most important appellations in Argentina, in the region of Mendoza, famous for its high-quality viticulture. This appellation was officially recognised in 1993 and is a symbol of Argentine winemaking tradition, with a particular focus on red wines, above all Malbec, which has found its ideal home here.

What to eat with Malbec Y Bonarda Seleccion Prodigo

Who makes it: El Hijo Prodigo

Founded in 2002, El Hijo Prodigo is a high-end wine estate at Mendoza, Argentina. Created by Alessandro Speri, a member of a well-known winegrowing family from Valpolicella, the winery stands out for its attention to quality and tradition, combining modern techniques with a deep respect for the land. A philosophy of painstaking work underpins wines that tell the story and culture of the region. The vineyards, at La Consulta in the Valle de Uco, benefit from a unique climate and rich soils, which give the wines a distinctive, complex personality. The winery specialises in making elegant wines, focusing on varieties such as Malbec, Tempranillo and Torrontés, each of which expresses the character of the Argentine terroir.

The vine of Malbec Y Bonarda Seleccion Prodigo

Malbec

Malbec is a black grape variety of French origin, historically widespread in the Cahors area of south-west France, where it was known as Côt or Auxerrois. Today it has become the emblematic grape of Argentina, where it has found an ideal home in the high altitudes of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, becoming one of the most recognisable reds in the world. It gives intense, deep and velvety wines, with firm but ripe tannins and an aromatic range that spans dark fruit and spices through to balsamic and floral notes.

Bonarda

Bonarda is a red grape variety that has found its fullest expression in several Italian regions, particularly in northern Italy. This variety is known for its versatility and for its ability to produce wines of great character and complexity. Bonarda is often associated with fruity, aromatic wines that stand out for their freshness and liveliness.

Malbec Y Bonarda Seleccion Prodigo: the Uco Valley area

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Alluvial / Morainic

Geographical setting: Valley

Profile of Malbec Y Bonarda Seleccion Prodigo

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Berries

Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: A full-bodied red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, typical of the Mendoza region.