Indulge in French Elegance: Wine Tasting in Miami with Château Malartic-Lagravière

Miami’s wine lovers had an unforgettable opportunity to dive into the world of Château Malartic-Lagravière with none other than Véronique Bonnie, co-owner of this acclaimed estate. Over an elegant lunch at Mamo Miami on October 30th, The Miami Guide got an exclusive taste of the winery’s latest releases and learned about the distinct terroirs that define its wines. With a storied heritage in Bordeaux and a breathtaking Argentine estate in the Uco Valley, the Bonnie family has spent more than two decades perfecting wines that capture the essence of their respective soils, climates, and cultures. This commitment to excellence and sustainability was evident in each glass, showcasing the depth and character that make Château Malartic-Lagravière’s wines beloved across the globe.

Château Malartic-Lagravière, in Léognan, has been the property of the Bonnie Family for more than 25 years. Alfred and Michèle Bonnie have committed themselves to the revival of the estate since its acquisition in 1997, and their children Véronique and Jean-Jacques are now ensuring its destiny. Having enjoyed an excellent reputation from the beginning of the 19th century, the winery is one of only six properties which is classified in the 1953 Graves classification of Grand Crus Classé. Beyond Bordeaux, the Bonnie family extends its commitment to exceptional winemaking at Bodega DiamAndes in the Uco Valley. These estates, celebrated for their exceptional terroirs and sustainable practices, represent the Bonnie family’s dedication to producing world-class wines on both sides of the Atlantic.

Spanning 73 hectares, Château Malartic-Lagravière boasts a diverse range of grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon, and Sémillon. Situated on superb gravel slopes, the terroir is truly unique, contributing to the distinctive quality of its wines.

The Château and gardens form a magnificent setting worthy of the quality of the wines. The property is open all year round for hospitality events where themed tours and gastronomic offerings appeal to visitors from all over the world.

Veronique, Jean-Jacques and their expert team pay particular attention to preserving the ecosystem surrounding the estate. The vineyard is managed according to agroecological concepts including preservation of the biodiversity through minimal ploughing, the inclusion of sheep, cows and other animals, horse drawn cultivation, and plant cover. Animals are also used as natural alternatives to pesticides and herbicides.

In a landmark move, the 2019 vintage marked a significant turning point for the estate, as Jean-Jacques Bonnie and his technical team embarked on a journey to reimagine every aspect of the winemaking process – from harvest dates to macerations and extractions – resulting in even higher quality wines.

The latest Malartic 2023 vintage is one of the property’s great successes. These wines embody Bordeaux, showing great elegance, depth, and aromatic richness. With a very pure and expressive fruit, the Malartic reveals a beautiful velvety feeling on the palate. The tannins are fine, silky and round, contributing to a wine that is both sleek and lively.

Across the Atlantic
Bodega DiamAndes was awarded among the 50 World’s Best Vineyards in 2023 and is also one of the esteemed producers of Clos de los Siete, the Argentine wine renowned for its elegance and high quality.

DiamAndes’s wine philosophy is elevated by the Bordeaux influence of its owners. Like Château Malartic-Lagravière, DiamAndes is managed with strict adherence to sustainable practices. The estate also employs an advanced gravity flow system, allowing the various stages of the winemaking process to be efficiently conducted across different facility levels.

Bodega DiamAndes makes wines under the concept of estate bottled wines, meaning the entire production comes from their own grapes, from a single block, with fractionation made at the winery. This ensures the quality of the product from its birth in the vineyard until the moment it is poured into the glass.

Each wine reflects the characteristics of the terroir. Bodega DiamAndes has sandy-clay soils with numerous pebbles, which allows the expression of great Malbec, the emblematic Argentine varietal. The vineyard is sectioned in single blocks, so that each plot is receiving specific care, reinforcing a marked identity of the final blend, with balance and elegance. The entire DiamAndes range produces well-balanced wines with distinctive personalities, reflecting the sumptuous terroirs of Uco Valley.

The allure of DiamAndes extends beyond its wines. There’s also the stunning architecture. Inspired by the name “DiamAndes,” a fusion of “Diamante” (diamond) and “Andes,” the winery’s design pays homage to the breathtaking landscape that frames it. Local architects, Bórmida-Yanzón, brought this vision to life, blending local expertise with global inspiration. Recognized for its architectural brilliance, DiamAndes Winery claimed the top spot in the “Architecture, Parks, and Gardens” category at the prestigious “The Best of Wine Tourism 2011” contest.

About Château Malartic-Lagravière and Bodega DiamAndes
The Bonnie family’s wine journey began over two decades ago when Alfred and Michèle Bonnie acquired Château Malartic-Lagravière, a Grand Cru Classé de Graves in Léognan, Bordeaux. Their children, Véronique and Jean-Jacques, expanded the estate in 2005 by adding Château Gazin Rocquencourt and Bodega DiamAndes in Mendoza, Argentina. For more than 25 years, the Bonnie Family Estates have produced exceptional wines, respecting each terroir and its ecosystem. Their sustainable approach ensures a unique expression, balance, and complexity, making their wines a staple in top restaurants worldwide.