Some mates with… Daniel Buono
25 Mar 2020
We chatted with Lic. Daniel Buono, producer of Organic Wines of Buono B, a family business of Italian winemakers, who told us about his production philosophy.
-What history does the company have?
It is a family business, founded by my parents many years ago. My family is the 7th generation of Italian winemakers. Our ancestors grew the vine, made the wine, and then sold it to their neighbors.
My father came to Mendoza in 1948 from Italy from the island of Ischia at the age of just 13 and since then he never stopped cultivating the vine, today he continues to do so at 85 years old!
The winery is managed by my wife Sandra and me, our five children also collaborate: Ángeles, Francisco, Florencia, Juan Pablo and Patricio.
– What is it and what does the “Buono Wine” Philosophy mean?
I was once asked that question and I answered with a funny twist. Philosophy of wine is not made, perhaps wine inspires the philosopher, the artist, and in general we could say that wine pleases the heart of man.
Our way of understanding wine is to consider it as a food, which has: art, science, history, work, nature and culture.
– Wine is a food because it comes from the natural fermentation of a fruit: the grape, and like all fruits it has: vitamins, amino acids, nutrients, minerals, reducing compounds.
– Wine is art because it is a sensitive creation of the world and allows to express sensations that are perceived with the five senses.
– Wine is science because it is the object of study and research in oenological science, of which I am a professor at the Don Bosco enology faculty. Oenology is an experimental science, which bases its doctrine on the verification of the facts.
– Wine is history. The origin of fermented beverages must be sought at the very dawn of human life. In America the cultivation of the vine and the elaboration of the wine were introduced by the conquerors who came accompanied by priests who needed the wine and the bread to celebrate the Holy Mass.
– When you have a glass of wine, know that you are taking more than 5500 years of culture with it.
– Wine is an expression of the work and culture of millions of people who still continue today, cultivating the vine. This plant requires the care of human hands every day of the year. Wine needs careful work, done intelligently, paying close attention.
-Where are the vineyards located? What characteristics does it have?
Vineyards are found along the east and west of the winding course of the Mendoza River. The driving system that we have preferred is the horizontal one due to the parral in an area of great heliophany, such as Mendoza, which achieves the best microclimate conditions for the development of the vine. Grapes grow under the cool shadows of a vine leaf cover and this is best for them.
-What characteristics does the winery have?
The winery has stainless steel vessels, epoxy-lined sinks, French and American oak barrels. It is equipped with the appropriate technology for the production of organic varietal wines. This technology is based on the simplicity of the processes, hygiene, the elaboration and conservation of wines at low temperatures. For this, the winery was designed in such a way that the wines are stored in cellars and cellars built 4.5 meters underground. In this way, the geothermal temperature is used, thus ensuring a storage temperature of the order of 19ºC during the summer and about 10ºC during the winter.
-Why did you decide to produce organic?
Because it is one of the best ways to offer healthy food to consumers and because we are interested in taking care of life in the environment, water and land.
-What is the importance of having a certification?
Certification helps a lot to materialize all these ideas. It is also a way of selling these products in a serious way.
-What varieties of wines do you produce?
At Vinos B, we have different varieties of wines among which we have: Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
-How is your production process? And what are the characteristics of each one?
There is a grape production process that begins with pruning, tying, de-sprouting, preventive care against grapevine diseases, to end the year with the harvest and start again. In this process I did not mention the work of the land, irrigation, etc. The wine process also begins in the vineyard with the joint work with the vine grower designing the best way to produce the grapes for the desired wine. During maturity, pertinent controls are carried out to determine the best harvest time. Once the grapes are received in the winery, they are destemmed, and the grain is split into two halves. Immediately afterwards, the oxygen and field heat are removed, in 10 seconds it is brought to a temperature of 10ºC and then begins with the prefermentative activities. The fermentation continues where the sugar turns into alcohol and after a few days the must turns into wine. This then begins a process of aging and stabilization, shorter for young wines and greater for reserves.
-How is your production process? And what are the characteristics of each one?
There is a grape production process that begins with pruning, tying, de-sprouting, preventive care against grapevine diseases, to end the year with the harvest and start again. In this process I did not mention the work of the land, irrigation, etc.
The wine process also begins in the vineyard with the joint work with the vine grower designing the best way to produce the grapes for the desired wine. During maturity, pertinent controls are carried out to determine the best harvest time. Once the grapes are received in the winery, they are destemmed, and the grain is split into two halves. Immediately afterwards, the oxygen and field heat are removed, in 10 seconds it is brought to a temperature of 10ºC and then begins with the prefermentative activities. The fermentation continues where the sugar turns into alcohol and after a few days the must turns into wine. This then begins a process of aging and stabilization, shorter for young wines and greater for reserves.
-How can the consumer acquire their products?
You can contact us and coordinate the delivery of the merchandise.
It can be by phone or email:
Tel .: 2634 429165, WhatsApp: 2615530021
e-mail: info@buonob.com.ar – msandrafazio@gmail.com
-What next plans does the company have?
We would love to improve the marketing of the wines and expand