Wine aging in barrels

Bonacquisti Wine Company is a winery that produces wines that are hard to beat.  Located in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Northwest Denver, Bonacquisti makes their wine in a chic industrial wine loft.  If you should go there for a tasting, you will have an up close view on how the wine is made.

When visiting the winery, you will receive a warm welcome from the winemaker and the wine puppy, Kota.  Paul Bonacquisti, winemaker extraordinaire, produces the wine within a couple feet of the tasting room bar.  You can see crush to bottling right in front of your eyes.

Kota, The "Wine"heimer Pup

Paul and Judi Bonacquisti started this winery in 2006 with the goal of producing great wines without the pretense that usually is attached to winemaking. The title of Paul’s blog, “Wine for the People,” reveals his philosophy towards wine.  The atmosphere of the winery is relaxing and a great place to try some great wines.

I was fortunate to be asked by Paul to help out occasionally around the winery last year.  I have bottled wine, supervised children crushing grapes at a music festival and poured wine for the winery up at Colorado Mountain Winefest.  In return, I have received an invaluable education on winemaking and enjoyed some excellent wines.

Bonacquisti currently has ten wines released.  Many of the wines won medals at the 2009 Colorado Mountain Winefest.  They won golds for the 2007 Cabernet Franc and the Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre. They also won the following medals at the 2009 Colorado Mountain Winefest.

• Gold
  • 2007 Cabernet Franc
  • N/V Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre
• Silver
  • 2007 Vinny No Neck
• Bronze
  • 2006 Colorado Semillon
  • 2007 Lodi Zinfandel
  • 2007 Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2008 Colorado Riesling

Bonacquisti Wines

What is most impressive about the Bonacquisti wines is that they are drinkable now.  You do not have to wait years to enjoy the wine.  Some of the standout varietal wines produced are the 2008 Riesling and the 2007 Cabernet Franc.  The Riesling is a semi-sweet white wine reminiscent of an Alsatian style Riesling.  The Cabernet Franc is a red that big red drinkers will love.  Paul makes some wonderful blends as well.  Try the SGM, Vinny No Neck, Bella Risa, and D Red.  All are pleasing on the pallet.

If you would like to taste these wines, the winery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Sunday through Wednesday by appointment.  They are located at 4640 Pecos St Unit I, Denver, CO 80211 one block south of I-70.  www.denverwine.net