I had understood that only in Roero and some other parts of Piedmont Croatina also goes by the name “Bonarda”. However, it is entirely plausible that they also this synonym in Emilia-Romagna, too. In the tasting I was told that this was a blend of Barbera and Bonarda Piemontese, but Google doesn’t really offer any conclusive information, as some sources say it is Bonarda (Croatina) and others say it is Bonarda Piemontese. The producer’s website says only “Bonarda”, nothing else.
The tannic bite definitely comes from that Bonarda, that’s for sure. It definitely would make more sense if it were Croatina, because it’s somewhat more tannic than Bonarda Piemontese. However, probably either one would make sense.
I have no idea when this was released, because it was just a random blind bottle we had after the tasting. I’ve understood all the wines are released after 10 years of aging (hence the name, which translates to “Tenyearslater”). However, it’s entirely possible that they also keep some library stock at the winery and this was released later. I didn’t ask the person who brought this bottle when he bought it and from where.
In the vertical tasting I attended, it was pretty obvious that Cos turned quite modern perhaps already with 1998 vintage, but by the 2000 vintage the wine was noticeably modernist. That 2001 wasn’t as modern and glossy as, say, the 2000, but contrasting it with the early 1990’s bottles, the style was very different there.
100% with you here. Although very atypical for a Riesling, I liked this wine quite much and probably need to source a bottle or two for myself, too! And yes, the red San Leonardos are absolutely gorgeous.